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The following are the minutes of the CFOA meetings held in ..

January April May September November

Chief Fire Officers’ Association

Minutes of Meeting held on 19^th April at Civil Defence School, Dublin

Attendance: M. Fizsimons (Chairman), J. Dunphy, K. Caffrey, M. Hanly, E. McGuire,

S. Murphy, P. Forkan, G. Malone, C. Traynor, V. Mulhern, J. O’Shaughnessy, M. Stack, S. Grogan, T. McCarthy, M. Walsh, D. Treanor, M. Raftery, M.A. Gleeson.

Apologies: F. Kerrane, N. Bourke, C. McConn, D. O’Mahony, C. Murphy

1. Minutes of meeting of 25/01/01 agreed.

2. Congratulations recorded to members recently promoted to D.O.S.

3. Vote of sympathy to F. Kerrane on his mothers recent death. Letter to issue.

4. New members B. Power and D. Cunningham to be notified of next meeting and invited to attend.

5. Conference 2001 Carlow. S. Grogan outlined detailed arrangements.

6. Conference 2002. G. Malone agrees to host (at Rochestown?).

7. Correspondence: BM Trada.

Impact re Wexford C.F.O. Conditions.

NRA (copy letter of 20/03/01 to all C.F.O.’s)

8. B.L.G. Discussion on impact of new BLG structure on the position of C.F.O., generally regarded as detrimental. The following was agreed.

(a) If C.F.O. is aggrieved by change in reporting relationship he should accept new relationship ‘under protest’. This to be written to Manager by Branch Secretary.

(b) Seek urgent meeting with IMPACT for all Fire Officers to discuss:

(i) Problems of new reporting relationships and possible solutions to difficulties.

(ii) Approach to benchmarking.

(iii) Rostering and on-call arrangements and claim.

(iv) Progress on recent claim.

9. Technical Conference to be held end October/early November 2001. Agenda F.P. issues, DM Trada Certification, Domestic Sprinklers.

10. Meeting with Minister reviewed.

11. M. Hanly reported that Impact has asked him to represent them on Review Advisory Group. CFOA proposed T. McCarthy and Hon. Secretary to advise Impact accordingly.

12. Licensing of Indoor Events Bill discussed – developments awaited.

13. Strategic Review of the Fire Services & Fire Safety: This matter discussed at length and agreed to create the following sub-groups to have reports prepared by 6^th July and forward by e-mail to Hon. Secretary.

Counties/Cities South East Region	Group Secretary T. McCarthy	Sections to Report on * 1, 2, 3 & 11
Cork City & County, Kerry, Clare, Limerick City & County, Tipperary North	G. Malone	4 & 5
Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Donegal & Roscommon	S. Murphy	8 & 12
Cavan, Monaghan, Meath & Louth	Noel Bourke	10
Westmeath, Longford, Offaly & Laois	M. Collins	9
Kildare, Wicklow & Dublin	M. Walshe	6 & 7

*Refer to page 6 of DOELG Document “Strategic Review of Fire Safety and

Fire Services in Ireland”.

C.F.O.’s should note DOE letter to Managers 07/02/01, ref. 400/4/9 in this matter.

A.O.B.

T. McCarthy is the nominated CFOA liaison member with Impact and S. Grogan was also nominated.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++ END +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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Chief Fire Officers Association

Minutes of Association Meeting held on 11/05/01 at Seven Oaks Hotel, Carlow

Present: M. Fitzsimons (Chairman), J. Dunphy, T. McCarthy, D. Cunningham,

B. Power, S. Grogan, D. Treanor, D. O’Mahony, F. Kerrane, C. Traynor, M. Collins, S. Murphy, C. McConn, M. Raftery, C. Murphy, K. Caffrey, G. Malone, M.A. Gleeson.

Apology: D. Carroll

1. D. Cunningham & B. Power approved for membership and welcomed. D. Carroll ditto (in absentee)

2. Minutes of meeting of 19^th April 2001 approved.

3. Matters arising:

¨ Impact representation on Review Advisory Group discussed. Agreed that consensus should be got between the associations for the most able and experienced person possible. T. McCarthy to approach I.E.I. to seek participation in the RAG.

¨ Issues regarding claim submitted by Impact discussed and need for amendment agreed. Lack of effort by Impact on behalf of Fire Officers discussed and dissatisfaction with service expressed.

Meeting of Fire Officer Associations and Impact to be held on 30/05/01 and items on Agenda discussed. CFOA to be represented by M.F., T. Mc, S.G. and M.A.G.

¨ Strategic Review Sub Groups and progress discussed. Agreed that each sub-group should prepare a brief document outlining their vision of the fire service structure of the future. This should consider strategic roles and functions at National, Regional and County/City level.

Each Group Secretary to hold meeting next week and to forward the consensus vision of the group to the Hon. Sec. (agleeson@waterfordcorp.ie) as early as possible. The Hon. Sec. will forward each submission to each C.F.O. and groups should then meet again a.s.a.p. to consider and hopefully adopt an overall consensus vision from the various submissions.

The groups should progress their own areas of work (as per previous minutes) as soon as possible but it was agreed that a common vision was essential in completing the various reports.

NOTE: Communications will be by e-mail.

4. Review of Conference 2001. S. Grogan highly complimented by all for a most successful and enjoyable conference.

5. Conference 2002. G. Malone commencing preparations and already considering hotels/locations etc.

6. Meeting of CFOA Executive with DOELG on 2^nd May 2001. Minutes to be circulated to all C.F.O’s.

7. Technical Seminar in Autumn. M. Raftery and D. Cunningham to arrange Agenda and approvals etc. Venue: Tullamore. Seminar for all Senior Fire Officers.

8. Letter from Ministers Secretary to A.C.F.O.’s Association discussed and copy to be got by M.F. Contents to be raised with Impact and emergency motion to be put on Agenda for Impact Conference next week. D. Treanor will attend as will M. Raftery on behalf of Vocational Group.

9. Conditions of Employment of C.F.O.’s in Limerick City and North Tipp discussed. These are changed from previously existing CFO conditions. Letter to be sent to Impact, DOELG and IEI regarding this matter.

10. CFOA to request DOELG to hold information seminar for Fire Officers on Part XVI of the Planning and Development Act 2000, i.e. Licensing of Outdoor Events and associated regulations. It is hoped that this would also provide a forum for Fire Officers to discuss the Licensing of Indoor Event Bill 2001. Hon. Sec. to write to DOELG.

11. DOELG to be requested to provide up to date guidance document on amendments to FSA ’81.

12. Adjudication and revised terms affecting conditions of employment of retained firefighters in individual counties are not being circulated to other Fire Authorities. LGMSB to be requested to keep Fire Authorities and C.F.O.’s advised of all such decisions.

13. M.F. to contact DOELG re CFOA representation on BRAB.

14. CPD accreditation for attendance at CFOA Conference, K. Caffrey to forward documentation to Hon. Sec.

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MINUTES OF THE AGM HELD ON 26 SEPTEMBER 2001 AT TULLAMORE FIRE STATION

Attendance: N. Burke, K. Caffrey, D. Carroll, J. Dunphy, M. Fitzsimons, MA. Gleeson,F. Kerrane, G. Malone, C. McConn, T. McCarthy, M. Melia, S. Murphy,C. Murphy, J. O’Shaughnessey, M. Raftery, J. Ryan, D. Stuart, D. Treanor, B. Power

Apologies: D. Cunningham

1. Minutes of the AGM of 22 September 2000 approved.

Proposed by S. Murphy, seconded by T. McCarthy

2. Treasurer’s Report approved.

Proposed by F. Kerrane, seconded by G. Malone

3. Election of Officers:

(a) Proposal by Mr. C. Murphy, seconded by J. Dunphy – special resolution to extend period of office of M. Fitzsimons, Chairman; T.McCarthy, Vice-Chairman; and M. Raftery, Hon. Treasurer for one year.

Proposal approved.

(b) J. Dunphy and C. McConn, Vice-Chairmen, elected unopposed. Proposed and seconded by K. Caffrey, G. Malone and D. Treanor, N. Burke respectively.

Proposed by S. Murphy, seconded by T. McCarthy

4. Proposal by S. Murphy to amend Constitution and elect 4^th Vice-Chairman. EGM to be called to have this alteration effected.

5. Annual subscription increased to Euro35

Chairman thanked D. Cunningham and T. Colville for venue and arrangements.

______________

Hon Secretary

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Minutes of Meeting of Chief Fire Officers Association held in Tullamore Fire Station on 6 November 2001

Present:

M. Fitzsimons (Chairman)

G. Malone M. Raftery, J. Ryan, D. Cunningham C. Traynor D. Stuart D. Carroll K. Caffrey T. McCarthy C. Murphy J. Dunphy F. Kerrane J. O’Shaughnessy N. Burke M. Collins S. Grogan D. Treanor M. A. Gleeson

1. Review of The Fire Services – Draft Report

· The main issues raised in the Report were outlined and discussed. General approval for thrust of Report expressed but several issues raised as points of concern. It was agreed that the C.F.O.A. Executive would bring our concerns to F.G.S’s attention and that T. McCarthy would liaise with IMPACT to do likewise on behalf of its members.

· Fire Prevention work does not appear to be understood (outside of Licensing and D.P.I.’s) by F.G.S.

· Section 5.12 – DIFFUSION etc., also exists now and in the past within the Local Authority system. This point was strongly made in submissions to F.G.S.

· What standard will be used to establish ‘competencies’?

· Section 5.63 – no reference to D.S.A. or F.S.A.

· Section 5.65 – needs expansion and ‘more meat on the bone’. Generally this should refer to senior status of C.F.O. in the Local Authority in the context of the new structure, and having regard to the responsibilities of the post. Furthermore, there should be recommendations to delegate the relevant powers by the Manager to the C.F.O. similar to delegation to Directors of Service, in other areas. Failure to develop these issues in the final report will create serious difficulties in implementing the Report’s recommendations.

· No reference to ‘person in charge’ – Section 27 of the Fire Service Act. This needs to be put to bed in the Report.

· Section 5.66 – needs to be clarified, as it could be open to mis-interpretation. There is need for re-grading in the post B.L.G. structure (Section 5.12 refers to B.L.G. effective downgrading of the Fire Service)

· Building Control Technicians – need to ensure avoidance of confusion of title of Building Control Officer

· Section 5.67 – concern expressed about Leading Firefighter rank. No reference to difficult issue of ‘driver-mechanic’ in several counties. Meeting did feel that this may be issue for new Authority.

· Immunity/Insurance cover for drivers only applied to Retained drivers. Insurers may have concerns about conditions re Insurance cover.

· Section 5.86 (and 5.12) – basis for existing cover standards is vague and not so clearly based on UK type standards.

· Section 5.106 – needs clarification. Who is in charge of Local Authority M.E.M.? At national or regional level who is in charge and by what Authority?

· Section 5.110 – second paragraph is not understood and needs clarification of intended meaning.

· Section 5.115 – what does ‘artificial barriers’ mean?

· Section 5.117 – the resources needed to implement a comprehensive training regime are significant – this is not fully addressed.

· Section 5.124 - C.F.O.A. agrees that funding source should include insurance funding, ring fencing income and levies on Licence applications. Some members feel that charges for advice would be counter-productive. Whereas there was general agreement that incident charges should be abolished, some feel that charges for chimney fires was beneficial.

· Empowerment of Fire Officers (similar to H.S.A. system) was not address in Section 5 Recommendations.

· The view was expressed that recommendations implementation should put emphasis on immediate need to address the serious situation at Senior Officer level in the post B.L.G. Local Government, to prevent the present situation becoming even worse.

2. A.O.B.

· C.F.O. Dublin – renewal of membership

· Advice to C.F.O.’s to carry out all work assigned to them and should not refuse to take on new areas of responsibility

· Notes on C.F.O.A. meeting with D.O.E.L.G. will be forwarded separately to all C.F.O.A. members.

· Vote of sympathy to Val & Berna Maguire on the recent death of their daughter Jenny

· Demonstration of MHB decontamination unit. Concern expressed again at role of Fire Service at suspected Anthrax incidents, particularly in relation to Command and Control, and appropriateness of roles and equipment.

M A Gleeson

Honary Secretary

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