HC Deb 25 March 1892 vol 2 cc1818-20
MR. P. O'BRIEN (Monaghan, N.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether the Dublin Metropolitan Police and the Royal Irish Constabulary get any special training to fit them for saving life and property in case of fires; whether he is aware that in Liverpool and other great cities in Great Britain a section of the police receive special training in the testing and working of the hydrants, and in every other way to make them an efficient auxiliary to the Fire Brigade; and will he take steps to have the Dublin Metropolitan Police and Royal Irish Constabulary similarly trained?

MR. JACKSON

The reply to the inquiry in the first paragraph of the question is in the negative; but the Irish police render in the case of fire every assistance in their power which the circumstances of the case may demand. In Liverpool, where the police are paid for by the Local Authorities, the Fire Brigade is, it is understood, composed of the police, and is altogether managed and worked by them. Dublin and other cities in Ireland possess their own brigades, and so far as I am aware their trained officers have discharged their duties most efficiently and with conspicuous bravery. I see no necessity for the special course suggested in the last paragraph.

MR. P. O'BRIEN

The right hon. Gentleman speaks of the police rendering "every assistance in their power," but what assistance can they render if they have had no training? In the case of a fire recently at Limerick life was lost, and there were two police barracks within a short distance of the scene of the fire. To meet such cases is it not desirable that the police should have some training?

MR. JACKSON

It is quite impossible to give such training to the whole of the Constabulary Force of Ireland.

MR. P. O'BRIEN

I do not suggest that.

MR. JACKSON

The assistance that can be given will be more efficiently rendered by persons detailed off for duty and specially trained for it. Such is the practice in most towns. Of course the police can render assistance in keeping off the people at the scene of the fire, and in other ways.

MR. P. O'BRIEN

Yes; and on a recent occasion the police kept back some sailors who were willing to go to the rescue of people in danger of losing their lives.

MR. SPEAKER

Order, order!