AQW 39873/11-15

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 05/12/2014
Answered On Date: 10/12/2014
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how cuts are likely to affect the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service in respect of (i) call out times; (ii) public safety; (iii) firefighter safety; (iv) support for animal rescue; and (v) the provision of services during flooding.

Answer:

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) has been asked, as part of the Department’s planning process for 2015/16, to develop a range of savings proposals that could deliver the best possible outcomes under three scenarios, 5%, 10% and 15% reductions.

NIFRS will be required to risk assess and prioritise savings proposals before submission to my Department, on the basis of those that minimise the impact on service delivery and ensure the continued safety of the public and firefighters.