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Minutes of meetings in 1997

MINUTES OF MEETING OF CHIEF FIRE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION AT IPA ON ON 13 February 1997 

IN ATTENDANCE

T.GLEESON, C MCCONN, M HANLY, S. MURPHY ,D. TRAENOR, S. GROGAN, , E. MAGUIRE, , K. CAFFREY, V. MAGUIRE, S MC DERMOTT,  D. O’CEILLEACHAIR ,J. MORAN, ,M FITZSIMMONS , ,C. CORMICAN, V. MULHERN, M. RAFTERY &  T. MCCARTHY  AS CHAIRMAN. 

APOLOGIES JO’SHAUGHNESSY G. MALONE , F. KERRANE C. MURPHY, M. STACK M. WALSH , K. CASHEN
 1.         Minutes

            The minutes of meeting of 12/12/96 were read and adopted by the meeting ;Proposed M Fitzsimmons, Seconded K. Caffrey .

 2.         Matters arising out of the Minutes

            Review of Petroleum licensing system is ongoing . Present position is that Kerbside Stations should be phased out by 31/12/99 

3.            Correspondence

            The correspondence was read to the meeting and noted. In particular

            A letter/survey from the RTE re Call out charges which was circulated to all F.A.’s It was the view of the meeting that it was a matter for the Management of each Local Authority

            Draft Guidelines for Planning Authorities were issued to each Local Authority PD2/97 There was no reference to fire fighting Hon Sec to write to DOE and ask for fire safety input into Document.

            Royal Association of Belgian Fire-fighters invited Representatives of Irish Fire Service Via Dublin Fire Brigade to Brussels in May 1997 Chairman To Attend

            Successful bid by APTB on ”Survey on the career of professional fire fighters in Europe” under EU Leonardo De Vinci program was noted by the meeting

            reply to NSAI on Emergency Lighting was accepted by the meeting Hon Sec to send on to NSAI

            Chairman to circulate members of all current nominees on EU/ Pr En CEN Committees on Various Draft  European Codes Of Practice Under Control Of NSAI

            Agreed to put CFOA in proposed Edition of Irish Journalist’s Handbook Vice Chairman (PRO) to arrange

            M Hanly  to send draft of constitution of a proposed Vocational Group for Senior Fire Officers Within Impact to Hon Sec. Hon Sec then to contact other groups in Impact

 4.            Rostering On Call/ implementation

            The implementation of the on call was reviewed.. There appeared to be particular difficulties in Cavan , Roscommon, Wexford Carlow and Longford.  The difficulties stemmed from lack of staffing in some authorities, proposed use of non fire officers in the roster in some counties, and perceived legal difficulties with cross border arrangements. In view of above The Chairman informed the meeting that he would write to IMPACT and request them to write to. DOE and LGSNB expressing the Association’s concern with these developments and if necessary he would issue a press statement on the matter. 

As regards Control Room Procedures in the Munster Region, it was noted that there was ongoing discussion between the members in the region on this issue.

As regards staffing Hon Sec circulated a case study prepared by Irish Planning Institute on shortage of technical planning staff in L.A.’s as an example 

5.            Regional Communications Sub-Committee Reports

                        No change since previous meeting

            M Hanly  expressed concern about recently circulated draft Report MIS And The Fire Service and whether it went too far. It was noted that it could not be implemented without the approval of IT officer in the L.A.. 

6.         Building Regulations/Control TGD B Review

            report on retrospective Fire Safety Certificates was circulated at the meeting. After some discussion, it was agreed that the Sub Committee would draft a letter to CCMA for consideration offering the report which identifies the problem and offers some solutions

  Hon sec circulated the following

            Example Appeal under UK Building Regulations from UK Journal Building Control Feb 1997

            Cautionary note from Scottish Office On BSI DD on Code Of Practice for FSE 1997

 7.            LGSNB REVIEW OF RETAINED FIRE SERVICE

            M Hanly document of 07/01/97 on the Retained Fire Service was agreed as the brief from the CFOA to the management side on the above negotiations. It was noted that M Hanly has been co-opted onto an advisory group advising the LGSNB on these negotiations.

S Grogan noted that the frequency of payment had implications for the social welfare entitlements of unemployed retained fire fighters and it was becoming an IR issue locally

 8.         Better Local Government a programme for change 1996

This report was discussed and it was accepted that it will result in fundamental changes in LA’s To keep members informed , it was agreed that the Chairman would invite Mr J. Cullen of DOE to brief a future meeting of CFOA on this new change in Government policy for L.A’s 

9 Flashover Training And The Fire Service

Chairman updated meeting on a recent report he received from D O’Mahony on a house fire in Wales where two fire-fighters lost their lives in Backdraught /Flashover. The Fire Authority were found negligent by HSE because the BA team had no safe escape route as a hose reel jammed the front door, there was no emergency BA team as only one appliance was initially mobilised, and the retained OIC was inadequately trained as he was not able to assess that a flashover was imminent.  It was agreed that as FSC were upgrading MOD 1 &2 Courses for Junior Officers  and M Hanly was on a subcommittee looking at these courses, he would bring the concerns of the CFOA on this issue to the attention of the FSC. 

10.            Conferences 1997/1998.

            The theme of the conference in 1997 is “ Health & Safety Year 2000 and beyond: Where stands the Fire Service?”In the absence of the Conference Secretary, the Chairman updated the meeting on the draft programme for the Conference

There will be speakers from USA, Sweden UK and Ireland

            Conference 1998 which was provisionally booked for Cork City at previous meeting  subject to agreement of Denis O’Mahony  to be confirmed

 Items 12. Emergency Lighting

Central Test   agreed

 13 Water Rescue

No agreed position it is a matter for each L.A.  Training and equipment/protective clothing Insurance requirements are onerous for water rescue  Note Civil Defence have been provided with boats

In some counties CD taking a primary role , in other counties taking a secondary role in water rescue

14        A.O.B.

            E Maguire queried position re domestic plastic oil tanks M Fitzsimmons thinks it is been addressed in revised TGD J.

                        S Hogan has written a position paper on his views on role of Civil Defence in Major Emergencies

            Chairman to approach DOE re proposed meeting with CFOA executive

           

            CCEA to approach  Hon Sec re proposed meeting with CFOA executive

           

            next Meeting at IPA Dublin in  late March 1997

 

THIS CONCLUDED THE BUSINESS OF THE MEETING

 

SIGNED 

                                                            CHAIRMAN                           DATE                       top

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MINUTES OF MEETING OF CHIEF FIRE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION AT IPA ON  03 APRIL 1997.

IN ATTENDANCE

T.GLEESON, M HANLY, S. MURPHY ,D. TRAENOR  G. MALONE , F. KERRANE C. MURPHY, M. STACK M. WALSH S. GROGAN, , E. MAGUIRE, , K. CAFFREY, V. MAGUIRE  D. O’CEILLEACHAIR , , ,M FITZSIMMONS ,M COLLINS ,

V. MULHERN, M. RAFTERY & T. MCCARTHY  AS CHAIRMAN.

 APOLOGIES JO’SHAUGHNESSY M. WALSH , C. CORMICAN, K. CASHEN C MCCONN , S MC DERMOTT J. MORAN
 1.         Minutes

            The minutes of meeting of 13/02/97 were read and adopted by the meeting ;Proposed

S Grogan,  seconded V. Mulhern . 

2.         Matters arising out of the Minutes

            Chairman  reviewed S Hogan’s draft document on Civil Defence in Major Emergencies

Hon Sec to circulate to  G Malone M Fitzsimmons , T.Gleeson,

3.            Correspondence

            The correspondence was read to the meeting and noted. In particular

            DOE circular 4/97 of 06/03/97 on New Salary Scales for Engineers and Cognate Grades was outlined to the meeting

            Successful bid by APTB on ”Survey on the career of professional fire fighters in Europe” under EU Leonardo De Vinci program was noted by the meeting

            reply From NSAI on Emergency Lighting was read to the meeting

            Proposed bid by CFOA with CACFOA (UK) under FEU and Leonardo De Vinci program for 1997 was noted by the meeting

            DoE  Circular Fire 3/97 re Fire Safety Inspections was read to the meeting

            Circular demeaned during performance inspections in addition Annual Licensing Inspections Hon Sec to reply to DOE  outlining CFOA Concerns; lack of power under FSA(1981), Overcrowding almost impossible to prove in Court and essentially a matter for Gardai, Lack of Staff in LA Fire Depts. Legal difficulties with prosecution under FSA.

               DOE Capital Summary FOR 1996 circulated to the meeting

4.            Rostering On Call/ implementation

            No change since previous meeting . Hon Sec to write to Impact again.

            note Donegal have an Engineer who acts as CFO temporarily on roster for a year to cover fire officer on  temporary leave

 5.            Regional Communications Sub-Committee Reports

                        No change since previous meeting

            East All Laois now mobilised from Dublin, West Control Centre almost built, Communication Consultant about to be appointed, South Cork Project not expected to finish until early 1998.

 6.         Building Regulations/Control TGD B Review

New TGD B and new regulations to be issued in May 1997 with commencement date 01/01/98

 7.            LGSNB REVIEW OF RETAINED FIRE SERVICE

            M Hanly updated meeting on current strategy of Management for the Negotiations with SIPTU re Rostering in two pump Stations, and crewing in one Pump Stations
. Siptu want to change payment system to guarantee incomes to fire-fighters as at present.

8.         Better Local Government a programme for change 1996

            Mr K. Cullen(DOE) gave a talk to the meeting on above and outlined DOE position on reform of LA.

9 Flashover Training And The Fire Service

M Hanly noted that  FSC subcommittee on Junior Fire Officer training was looking at this issue

 10.            Conferences 1997/1998

             Conference Sec 1997 F KERRANE updated meeting on the Conference and everything was on schedule.

            Conference 1998 which was provisionally booked for Cork City at previous meeting  subject to agreement of Denis O’Mahony  to be confirmed

 11        A.O.B.

 Treasurer  informed meeting Subscriptions now due from 01/04/97 ideally by Standing Order

M Fitzsimmons reported to the meeting that there are problems with Social Welfare and  unemployed Retained Fire Fighters Service and he wanted the issue addressed nationally with the Doe. From straw poll present up to 8 Counties had problems with Dept Of Social Welfare

Agenda for meeting with Doe and Cfoa Executive agreed

Next meeting at Annual Conference in Donegal

 THIS CONCLUDED THE BUSINESS OF THE MEETING

 SIGNED 

                                                            CHAIRMAN                           DATE                            top

 ====================================================================

 MINUTES OF MEETING OF CHIEF FIRE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION AT  MOUNT ERRIGAL HOTEL ON  09 MAY 1997.

IN ATTENDANCE

T.GLEESON,  M HANLY, S. MURPHY ,D. TRAENOR  G. MALONE , C. MURPHY,  M. STACK; S. GROGAN,  K. CAFFREY, V. MAGUIRE;,,M FITZSIMMONS , K. CASHEN, S MC DERMOTT, P FORKAN; DO’MAHONY , M. RAFTERY &T. MCCARTHY  AS CHAIRMAN.

 APOLOGIES D. O’CEILLEACHAIR E. MAGUIRE, C MCCONN  JO’SHAUGHNESSY

M. WALSH , C. CORMICAN, J. MORAN V. MULHERN F KERRANE
 

1.         Minutes

            The minutes of meeting of 03/04/97 were read and adopted by the meeting ;Proposed

D Traenor,  seconded  V. Maguire . 

2.         Matters arising out of the Minutes

            None 

3.            Correspondence

            None 

4.            Rostering On Call/ implementation

            No change since previous meeting.  V Maguire proposed a system for Cavan involving cross border arrangements with Meath and Monaghan.  Cork City can not be implemented pending  clarification and Union Negotiation on behalf of 2nd Fire Officer in Cork. Roscommon about to be implemented. Wexford asked to sign special conditions not acceptable to them expect to implement as per  National Agreement 

 5.            Regional Communications Sub-Committee Reports

                        No change since previous meeting

             Concern was expressed at the meeting at the following ; plethora of interim schemes in Leinster involving Mobile phones in Meath, Leased line for Radio Bearer in Laois. Original User Requirements were being ignored as follows , no local business  channel available except on request through Control Centre, wide area paging as a back up to MG4 alerting systems appears to be gone. Issues to be clarified at next TLG in Munster

 6.         Building Regulations/Control TGD B Review

New TGD B and new regulations to be launched at next BRAB Meeting. DoE  have been lobbied by Architectural Profession to drop equivalence standard to new buildings for change of use in existing Buildings.  There will be a fudge in new TGD B on this issue. 

7.            LGMSB Review of Retained Fire Service

            M Hanly updated meeting on current strategy of Management for the Negotiations with SIPTU re Above. Negotiations will finish by September. SIPTU want any existing Concessions e.g.  meals at fires- which are better than any negotiated system to be retained  i.e. cherry picking by SIPTU . The result may be a two tier system a new system or existing system with opt in choice

SIPTU to write to all Branch Secretaries noting that they have no objection to retained fire-fighters attending  Annual Medical. New Circular on  Medicals to issue from LGMSB to Local Authorities

 8.         Better Local Government a programme for change 1996

IEI letter to all Local Authority Engineers was noted by the meeting. Chairman to attend IEI Meeting tonight and to invite IMPACT to  negotiate for Senior Fire Officers if necessary.

Chairman to circulate CO.Engineer’s and CFOA submission to IEI on proposed structure for Local Authorities. Meeting betweem IEI and LGMSB next week

 9.            Conferences 1997/1998

              Chairman recorded his congratulation to Conference Sec 1997 CFO F Kerrane  and his wife Mary and staff in Fire Dept. in Donegal for all their work  nd for the very successful 1997 Conference in Donegal .

            Conference 1998 was provisionally booked for Tullamore subject to agreement of

D. O’Ceilleachair  with Mullingar as a fall back location. Denis O’Mahony confirmed that for the present Cork City was not suitable for the Conference.

 10        Meeting with DoE

Chairman summarised the outcome of meeting between CFOA Executive and DOE in April 1997 

11        A.O.B.

Treasurer  informed meeting Subscriptions now due from 01/04/97 ideally by Standing Order

Next meeting in June 1997 at IEI HQ to be confirmed 

THIS CONCLUDED THE BUSINESS OF THE MEETING

 SIGNED 

                                                            CHAIRMAN                           DATE                            top

 =====================================================================

MINUTES OF MEETING OF CHIEF FIRE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION AT IPA DUBLIN ON 25 June 97

IN ATTENDANCE

M HANLY, D. O’CEILLEACHAIR E. MAGUIRE, JO’SHAUGHNESSY  C. CORMICAN, V. MULHERN, F KERRANE S. MURPHY ,D. TRAENOR, G. MALONE , K. CAFFREY, K. CASHEN, S MC DERMOTT, P FORKAN; M. RAFTERY & T. MCCARTHY  AS CHAIRMAN.

 APOLOGIES T.GLEESON, M. STACK M. WALSH S. GROGAN, C MCCONN, M. WALSH
 J. MORAN C. MURPHY DO’MAHONY M FITZSIMMONS , V. MAGUIRE

1.         Minutes

            The minutes of meeting of 09/05/97 were adopted by the meeting ;Proposed

G. Malone,  seconded D Traenor  

2.         Matters arising out of the Minutes

            None 

3.            Correspondence

            None 

4.            Rostering On Call/ implementation

            No change since previous meeting. Roster now implemented in Roscommon and Wexford.. It was noted that FSC intend to run a Command Course in the Autumn for  Senior Fire Officers who have entered  Fire Service in recent times. This course will concentrate on Command/Control issues.

Secretary to write to Impact requesting a meeting of  Fire Service Vocational Group re   CFOA concern  re Engineers on roster in Cavan and Wexford. 

 Regional Communications  Reports

            The national  Frequency Allocation Document had been discussed at TLG Meetings in the West and Munster. A TLG Meeting has been arranged in Leinster in early July.

             Concern was expressed at the meeting at the proposal not to allow  wide area paging as a back up to MG4 Alerters. It was claimed that the Do. Communications will not licence such a system

. Donegal is back in West System, but is looking for extra high sites to improve mobile radio comminications. All above developments should be monitored through TLG Meetings.

 6.         Building Regulations/Control TGD B Review

New TGD B and new regulations have not been signed by outgoing Minister.

DoE  have been lobbied by Architectural Profession and other vested interested groups in Building Industry to relax certain requirements in TGD B e.g. noncombustibility of floors and walls of 1 hour or more Fire Resistance.

Secretary to write to DoE expressing our concern on the delay in issuing revised TGD B  and that this delay period should not be used to lower standards of fire safety required in new buildings 

7.            LGMSB REVIEW OF RETAINED FIRE SERVICE

            M Hanly updated meeting on current strategy of Management for the Negotiations with SIPTU re   A Subcommittee of CFOA have been asked to produce a cost neutral proposal where earnings of smaller Brigades (50-100 call pa) would be enhanced at the expenses of larger town brigades ( in excess of 200 calls p.a.).M Hanly invited suggestions to meet this objective. M Hanly to ensure that  Survey returned to LGMSB on Retained Fire Service is available to all Fire Authorities as a resource data base 

8.         Better Local Government a programme for change 1996

 A meeting has taken place between IEI; SIPTU  and IMPACT and LGMSB  re Local Authority Engineers and  proposed changes in L.A.’s in BLG .IMPACT kept a watching brief .on behalf of Engineers in Dublin Corporation .

 Hon Sec to write to IMPACT  requesting representation  at any future meetings with other Unions or LGMSB on  BLG involving negotiations by Senior Fire Officers if necessary

Meeting agreed to Chairman’s draft Capital proposals for Fire Service years 1998-2003 for submission to new Minister of Environment

9.            Conferences 1997/1998

              Chairman recorded his congratulation to  speakers at Conference 1997

            Conference 1998 was confirmed for Tullamore and D. O’Ceilleachair will be Conference Secretary in 1998

10        Draft code of Practice for Indoor Pop Concerts

 It was noted that the draft was circulated to all Local Authorities. There was some discussion on recent events in Croke Park and Limerick and  there was a divergence of views on whether Fire Authorities had a role in Outdoor Events. Chairman  ask members to send their observations on the Draft Code to  him  as soon as possible to enable him to reply to DOE on the draft code by 11/07/97.

 11        Circular from LGMSB on occupational health scheme for retained fire service

 It was noted that the scheme has been accepted by SIPTU at national level 

12.       DOE Circular on Uniforms for Fire Service

There was general dissatisfaction with the fact that there was no consultation on the Uniforms with any  representative bodies in the Fire Service and with some of the detail in the Specification for the uniform. 

Chairman to write to DoE  and request that the recommendations are only considered as a draft and that a Subcommittee be established from all ranks of the Fire Service to address the Uniform issue .

A.O.B.

 1         It was noted that the DoE approvals for accepting tenders  specifically required a report from Co. Engineer. Hon sec to clarify with DoE and note that this may be in breach of some internal arrangements in some Local Authorities.

2          Chairman noted  that NSAI have  circulated a draft  Amendment on IS3216 Part 2 re         clauses 4.5 and 4.6 respectively on piping

3.         M Hanly read a draft Constitution for A Senior Fire Officers Vocational Group to be formed under the umbrella of the Union. It was agreed that he should proceed and circulate the draft to the other Fire Officer Groups.

4.         There was some discussion on plastic pipes for u/g petroleum installations and it was agreed that if members had difficulties with deviations /innovations from SI 311 that such changes should be referred to HSA for observation and comment.  It was noted that Licensing of Petroleum Installations in Dublin was been carried out by Environment Section rather than Fire Section.

5          It was noted that there are 1900 crèches/ playschools in Ireland to be registered under new Regulations Such premises should be certified by a Consultant Engineer / Architect  experienced in Fire Safety

6            Chairman to investigate if NSAI would nominate a CFOA member to CEN committees on appliances and equipment 75% of travel costs can be recouped from EU. Doe have withdrawn their representation

 7          Chairman to consider holding next FEU meeting in Ireland

 Next meeting in Sept 1997 to be confirmed 

THIS CONCLUDED THE BUSINESS OF THE MEETING

 SIGNED 

                                                            CHAIRMAN                           DATE                    top

 =========================================================================

  MINUTES OF MEETING OF CHIEF FIRE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION AT IEI HQ DUBLIN ON 29 October 97

IN ATTENDANCE

M HANLY, D. O’CEILLEACHAIR E. MAGUIRE C. CORMICAN, V. MULHERN, F KERRANE S. MURPHY ,D. TRAENOR, G. MALONE , T.GLEESON, M. WALSH C MCCONN,  J. MORAN  ,K. CAFFREY, K. CASHEN, S MC DERMOTT, P FORKAN; M. RAFTERY & T. MCCARTHY  AS CHAIRMAN.

 APOLOGIES C. MURPHY, V. MAGUIRE

1.         Minutes

            The minutes of meeting of 25/06/97 were adopted by the meeting ;Proposed

T Gleeson,  seconded J. Moran 

2.         Matters arising out of the Minutes

            None 

3.            Correspondence

            The correspondence was read to the meeting

            DoE reply of 18/08/97 in relation to Uniforms see below

            Enclosure from Impact of letter from LGMSB of 11/06/97 re RSFO Agreement see below

            Doe acknowledgement of 31/07/97 on Building Regulations see below

            Letter from Impact re Revised qualifications for Post of AFO in Limerick Corporation             in Control Centre 

After some discussion on this item it was decided that the Hon Sec would write to Impact advising  them that the CFOA consider that any change in conditions of Employment or Particulars of Office of Senior Fire Officers’ posts should be done as part of an overall negotiations and not on a piecemeal basis  and that Impact should inform DoE ( Local Admin.) accordingly

 4.            Rostering On Call/ implementation

            No change since previous meeting. Roster now implemented in Roscommon and Wexford. In former case it was noted that pay was only backdated to May 1997. It was noted that 3rd Officers in Dublin are in receipt of half RSFO Allowance (£2,000) in addition to flexible duty allowance  Senior Fire Officers in Dublin only paid half allowance at present expect other half to be paid. Longford no progress 

Hon Sec to write to Impact advising them to write to LGMSB  requesting a meeting to review the RSFO Agreement as two years is nearly up and to address the particular problems in Longford, Dublin Roscommon Wexford and Cavan in this meeting 

It was noted that the LGMSB have conducted a telephone poll of Local Authorities on the Implementation of RSFO agreement recently

  Regional Communications  Reports

. CAMP West,  Expect to go to Tender for Final System in near future

need extra high sites to meet  communications criteria

Camp East No change

Camp Munster Cork Project expected to be completed in June 1998 

6.         Building Regulations/Control TGD B Review

Hon Sec circulated  proposed revisions in TGD B re Combustible floors and proposed revisions re Oil Tanks in TGD J.

New TGD B and new regulations are expected to be issued by DoE IN December 1997.

There is an ongoing dispute between Timber Frame lobby and DoE re extent that new Technical Guidance will allow timber frame construction in domestic and commercial uses.

 7.            LGMSB REVIEW OF RETAINED FIRE SERVICE

            M Hanly updated meeting on current strategy of Management for the Negotiations with SIPTU   A proposal has been issued to SIPTU involving  increasing no of fire-fighters  in two pump Stations with no. of calls greater than 100 p.a. to 15 with rostering 7 on  1st  turnout  5 on 2nd turnout and three off. The minimum no. of fire-fighters in Single Pump Stations is 9 with no rostering in Stations with less than 100 Calls p.a.              There is also a proposal to rebalance payments by reducing hourly rate by 20% and introducing a bonus payment of 20% of availability  depending on % attendance at fires. 

8.         Better Local Government a programme for change 1996

There was much discussion on this matter and Chairman to seek a meeting with CCMA to discuss the CFOA proposals for enhanced role of Fire Service as a Department of Civil Protection in new Structures for Local Authorities 

9.         DOE Circular on Uniforms for Fire Service

After discussion it was agreed that Hon Sec write to Impact requesting that they form a Subcommittee under the auspices  of the Union and other interested parties i.e. SIPTU to attempt to come to agreement between all ranks on a Uniform for the Fire Service. 

10        Circular from FSC on Review of Training in the Fire Service

The circular was noted by the meeting. It was noted that the Fire Services Council Guidelines for on Station Training  which is referenced in above Draft Report is not achievable within the specified time period. Similarly fire-fighters were reluctant to sign after Training Sessions as in their view it violated their common law rights in the  event of an injury and subsequent civil claim against the Fire Authority for negligence .

 Hon Sec to write to Fire Services Council to inform them of their concerns on this issue. 

11        IFE Fire  Journal for Ireland

This Publication is being issued by Jude Publications in Dublin and is Dublin oriented 

12        Doe Circular AQ 6/97  Control of VOC’s  SI No. 375 of 1997

The circular was noted. If there is no co-operation from the retailer of Petroleum then the only sanction is to prosecute the offenders under the Parent Act the Air Pollution Act 1987. It was the view of the meeting that the approved assessor should be a chartered Engineer with professional indemnity insurance

A.O.B.

 1.  The circular 407/2/48 of 15/10/97 Fire & Emergency Operational Plans was noted . It was the view of the meeting that Chief Fire Officers in preparing such plans would allude to the necessary investment required to bring their Fire Brigade fleets up to standard

 2. The Chairman read the  relevant extract from Minister of Environment’s response  to his submission on Capital Funding for the Fire Service A small increases in Capital Finding £500,000 approx. was expected in  December 1997 Budget subject to Dept. Of Finance approval

 3.A FEU meeting  is being hosted by CFOA in Rochestown Park Hotel in Cork on 22nd 23rd November 1997

4. D Traenor raised the issue of electric curtains in Conference Centres and the fact that they obstruct exits and are in breach of Ease of Escape Regulations

 Next meeting on 02/12/97 in Dublin  to be confirmed

 THIS CONCLUDED THE BUSINESS OF THE MEETING

 SIGNED 

                                                            CHAIRMAN                           DATE                            top

 ========================================================================= 

MINUTES OF MEETING OF CHIEF FIRE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION

at Guinness Brewery Dublin

on 2 December 1997

 IN ATTENDANCE:

 T. McCarthy, (CHAIRMAN )C. MURPHY D. O’CEILLEACHAIR  E. MAGUIRE  C. CORMICAN, V. MULHERN,  S. MURPHY ,D. TRAENOR,   T.GLEESON, C  MCCONN,  J. MORAN  ,K. CAFFREY, K. CASHEN,  P FORKAN; M. RAFTERY. M Collins, S Grogan, M Stack  v Maguire,  

APOLOGIES:            S. McDermot, G Malone, D O’Mahoney, M Walsh,  M Hanley

1.         Minutes

            The minutes of meeting of 29/10/97 were adopted by the meeting ;Proposed

D Traenor,  seconded C McConn 

2.         Matters arising out of the Minutes

            D Traenor raised the question of the acceptability of electric curtains.

The Chairman made a presentation to Matt Murphy, Gen. Manager Guinness Ireland who had hosted the meeting

‘Environmental Pressure Testing’ gave a presentation on their Precision Leakage Detection system.

 3.            Correspondence:

- from Cantwell and Keogh regarding recognition as ‘approved assessors’ under Air pollution Act1987(Petroleum Vapour Emissions) Regulations.

- from the Montserrat Fund (£50 donation approved).

-from Chairman to Al Butler regarding representation of Fire Officers interests (because he had failed to return Chairman’s calls) .  The Chairman to contact Gen. Sec. of the union on this matter. 

4.            Rostered Senior Fire Officer- implementation

Longford - problems being resolved, Laois - not paid or rostered, Roscommon - no back-pay, Cavan - 2 Senior Executives being trained ( recruits course completed)

 5.            Regional Communications

            West- Tender documents with DoE.  East - no change .  Munster no change.

 6.         Building Control

P. Forkan informed the meeting that the position with regard to TGD B revision will become  clear on Dec. 18th.  Secretary to get details of An Bord Pleanala decisions.

 7.            LGSMB review of Retained service

The document had been circulated to Ffrs. Union.  K Cashin reported that a recent meeting of the Ffrs association had agreed not to co-operate with the Occupational Health scheme.

Chairman extended best wishes to M Hanley for a speedy recovery.

8.            Uniforms

No change.  Sec to write to A. Butler regarding parity of allowance with Dublin F. B. 

9.         A o B

C McConn asked if there were any successful convictions for building without a cert.  K Cashin had 1 and two pending.

Chairman paid tribute to J Moran who was attending his last meeting - referring to his contribution as C.F.O., as a former member of the fire Services Council and as a member of the Association.

Next meeting - February - date to be confirmed.

 Signed:

                         ______________________Chairman.            Date__________        top

 

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