§ Lady HermonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the impact of the firefighters' dispute in Northern Ireland. [98332]
§ Mr. BrowneThroughout the periods of industrial action by the Fire Brigades Union, the emergency fire cover service provided by the armed forces, supported by the police service for Northern Ireland and the retained firefighters who were not on strike, was able to deal effectively with all major fire-related and road traffic incidents. The armed forces operated well within capacity and there were no major disruptions to transport or other essential public services as a result of the dispute.
Although there were a number of road traffic fatalities and two fire-related deaths during the strikes, there are no indications that any of these deaths could have been avoided had normal fire cover been available.
We have always maintained that the alternative fire arrangements provided by the armed forces cannot replicate the normal firefighting capability. I therefore welcome the Fire Brigades Union decision not to set any new strike dates and to again engage in a fresh round of 9W negotiations at the National Joint Council under the auspices of ACAS, to find a negotiated and fair settlement to this dispute.