His comments followed receipt of a report from Her Majesty’s Fire Service Inspectorate (Scotland) on their inspection of NIFRS, which was carried out in April 2007.
The report, which has been formally presented to the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service Board, found that NIFRS is “a highly-achieving Service” - the highest category of performance that can be awarded under the inspection process.
Welcoming the report, Mr McGimpsey said: “Over the last couple of years the Fire and Rescue service has undergone major changes as part of a national modernisation programme. In addition to taking on additional responsibilities, such as dealing with chemical hazards and high volume water pumping, it has also been heavily involved in a fire safety promotion campaign which is aimed at reducing the number of fires.”
Referring to the inspection, the Minister said: “A team of inspectors from the Scottish Fire Inspectorate examined a number of key areas of the Service. The Fire and Rescue Service is to be congratulated on being given a ‘highly achieving Service’ rating.
“The Service was also acknowledged as one of the best in the UK in terms of progress on the reform agenda. These findings are an acknowledgement of the efforts of everyone throughout the Service.
“Of course, as with any inspection, areas have been identified for further improvement and these are already being addressed.”
The Minister added: “It is reassuring that Northern Ireland has one of the best fire and rescue services in the UK. Firefighters put their lives on the line every day to save lives in their communities. Those who attack them are to be condemned. I hope to have an early opportunity to personally congratulate officers and firefighters on this remarkable achievement.”
Notes to Editors:
Fire and Rescue Services are required to be independently reviewed through external inspection at the request of the Department. Northern Ireland does not have its own Inspectorate, but secured the services of Her Majesty’s Fire Service Inspectorate (Scotland) to carry out a professional inspection of the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service in April 2007.
The inspectors found that NIFRS is a ‘highly achieving Service’ - the highest category of performance that can be awarded under the inspection process. When the Fire and Rescue Service has formally responded to the report it will be published on the Department‘s website, on the HM Fire Inspectorate (Scotland) and on the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service websites.
Some key findings of the report are:
The corporate management team offers strong leadership and has the confidence and support of staff and NIFRS Board.
The performance of the Service in relation to Fire Services Emergency Cover methodology and Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP) is outstanding.
Partnership working is proactive and well managed.
Corporate and business risk is managed extremely effectively throughout the organisation and the Board.
There is a strong focus on, with a structured and well-established approach to, community fire safety activities.
The reform agenda progress in NI is among the highest achieving across the UK (IRMP-led).
Media enquiries to the DHSSPS Press Office 028 9052 0074, or out of hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number on 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
