Fire call out charges in Dublin

Sunnyisland

Fire call out charges in Dublin
The council is proposing to introduce domestic fire service charges next year, including a first-hour rate fee of €500 for call-outs to domestic fires and €610 for vehicle fires; and a €610 charge to attend a chimney fire. It also includes a first-hour fee of €610 for road traffic incidents.
The first-hour rate will be fixed and following hours are charged per tender attending. The council will discuss the plan at its annual budget meeting.
But Dublin Fire Brigade Siptu convenor Gerry Harris said the charges could cost lives. “A person who cannot afford to pay a charge might attempt to put out the fire themselves and that could put their lives at risk and put fire fighters’ lives at risk, as the fire would be more developed when they got there.”
Mr Harris said there were other ways to fund the fire service that would not compromise safety.
“A change of legislation is needed to allow the 1.5 per cent fire levy, as part of all householders’ insurance, to be given directly to the fire service.”
Dublin Central TD Maureen O’Sullivan said an abuse of the fire service should incur a fine but not legitimate call-outs.
Dublin City Council confirmed the fire service charge proposal but would not comment further
The Irish Times - Monday, November 28, 2011 FIONA ELLIS


500 euro for a first rate fee for a 1st time call out for domestic fires ,Cant see that working to well,But Afaik it works elsewhere in the country any thoughts and opinions on this.
__________________

Flukey

Extortion. We pay taxes to cover that, so we shouldn't have to pay again. If people think it is going to cost them €500 they might think twice about calling the fire brigade, which obviously puts lives at risk. This is an emergency service, so it should not have to be paid for (again). What happens if a few people call one, though not all are used, which often happens? If 3 calls were made and only one fire engine was needed, will people be charged for the other that stand there watching? Will the good citizen that phones be charged when they see a fire or the property holder? It is crazy, in line with a lot of other charges out there.

hmmm

As Flukey says, what are we paying taxes for? Huge numbers of Dubliners live in apartment blocks, and the last thing I want is one of my neighbours hesitating about ringing the fire brigade when their place is on fire.

Cardinal Richelieu

Is this an opening for someone to set up a cheaper service or do they have a legal monopoly?

muck_savage

Its quite simple, DONT PAY IT!! you dont have to pay for anything like that from a council!! NO CONTRACT!! unless you have a written agreement with a council, you are not bound to pay any fees, or the like as your not contracted!!

Cookie_Monster

Dublin and Cork are the only places that don't pay it currently, but 610 is absolute extortion!!!

What about a nominal fee of say 50, means they still get some funding cover, not excessive for anybody in comparison to why they are being called, probably reduce false & trivial callouts somewhat.

The charge in relation to RTAs is scandalous, even if you don't want/need them to turn up you are stuck paying even if some randomer calls them

Collie D

realies wrote: »

Fire call out charges in Dublin
The council is proposing to introduce domestic fire service charges next year, including a first-hour rate fee of €500 for call-outs to domestic fires and €610 for vehicle fires; and a €610 charge to attend a chimney fire. It also includes a first-hour fee of €610 for road traffic incidents.
The first-hour rate will be fixed and following hours are charged per tender attending. The council will discuss the plan at its annual budget meeting.
But Dublin Fire Brigade Siptu convenor Gerry Harris said the charges could cost lives. “A person who cannot afford to pay a charge might attempt to put out the fire themselves and that could put their lives at risk and put fire fighters’ lives at risk, as the fire would be more developed when they got there.”
Mr Harris said there were other ways to fund the fire service that would not compromise safety.
“A change of legislation is needed to allow the 1.5 per cent fire levy, as part of all householders’ insurance, to be given directly to the fire service.”
Dublin Central TD Maureen O’Sullivan said an abuse of the fire service should incur a fine but not legitimate call-outs.
Dublin City Council confirmed the fire service charge proposal but would not comment further
The Irish Times - Monday, November 28, 2011 FIONA ELLIS


500 euro for a first rate fee for a 1st time call out for domestic fires ,Cant see that working to well,But Afaik it works elsewhere in the country any thoughts and opinions on this.
__________________

I wasn't aware of this levy. If this exists why isn't it already going directly to the fire services?

Guy:Incognito

muck_savage wrote: »

Its quite simple, DONT PAY IT!! you dont have to pay for anything like that from a council!! NO CONTRACT!! unless you have a written agreement with a council, you are not bound to pay any fees, or the like as your not contracted!!

Should they wait for a legal signed contract before they step in to save you?


Do fire services come from council coffers?If so peopel should really start paying their motor tax and the likes. Maybe charges wouldnt be needed?

Paulzx

Cardinal Richelieu wrote: »

Is this an opening for someone to set up a cheaper service or do they have a legal monopoly?

The Local Authority has the Statuatory responsability under the Fire Sevices Act 1982 For the provision of a Fire Service in its area.

Nobody will set up a cheaper service outside of this anyway because the provision of a Fire Service is a money pit. By it's nature it is impossible to be able to make a profit whilst providing a service that responds to practically any call it receives irrespective of whether it is fire related or not.

The imposition of fire charges is immoral. It is not backed by any operational Firefighter in Dublin. This is strictly a decision that is being made by the Council beancounters against the wishes of the men and women that work at the coalface to provide the service. Charges should not apply anywhere in the country. What next? Pay for a callout for the Gardai.

It will be practically impossible to collect all the charges and it is uncertain whether the cost of collecting the charges will be covered.

Paulzx

Collie D wrote: »

I wasn't aware of this levy. If this exists why isn't it already going directly to the fire services?

Exactly!!

At present every householder in Ireland who has house insurance pays a premium on their policy to cover Fire Brigade charges.

Residents in Dublin have never had to make a claim on this cover up till now. So where has the levy being going?

Into the pocket of the insurance industry thats where.

If this levy was handed over charges could be abolished and callouts covered in this way instead of individual bills
.

Sunnyisland

How does it work out side of Dublin ? Do people get a bill after the FB call and what happens if said bill is not paid ?

Paulzx

Guy:Incognito wrote: »

Should they wait for a legal signed contract before they step in to save you?


Do fire services come from council coffers?If so peopel should really start paying their motor tax and the likes. Maybe charges wouldnt be needed?

Most people do pay their motor tax. I don't understand your point

Paulzx

realies wrote: »

How does it work out side of Dublin ? Do people get a bill after the FB call and what happens if said bill is not paid ?

Most places outside of Dublin do already charge.

Their is no standard charge though. Every county manager does his own thing and can set his own level of extortion.

I don't know how much they persue people who don't pay.

msg11

I have seen absolutly nothing worth while that my taxes been spent on.

Water, Bins and now emergency services. Jesus, people will be thinking they will get charged if they call them for a car crash with serious injury's or wait a minute if I ring them do I get charged for calling them out ?

Will the government get the act together, there handing out millions in pensions and astronomical salary's.

Still in the back of my mind, only last month , the anglo bond holders got nearly 1billion between them ? And yet we are getting absolutely attacked on the most basic services like water and waste.

All these taxes are just to pay off some fat cat in FF on about a 5million a year pension on top of god only knows what other outrageous pay packets for some sham activity they are involved in, this FG shower are just as bad as the old crowd. There all cowboys in there, vote me in and we will see who will be asking for a pension, cause I'll **** them out the cheeky bastards..

Honestly what do they be doing with all the money there getting? It wouldn't surprise me if some of them Anglo bondholders had something to do with all them spoofers in the Dail. Scumbags the lot of them city councils and everything, never stop knocking on the door when they need a vote. Where are they now when the budget is coming up ?

Paulzx

Did anyone hear the result of the vote at the council meeting?

The webcast on the DCC website is not in the archives yet and the meeting seems to be finished

Sideshow Mark

Paulzx wrote: »

Did anyone hear the result of the vote at the council meeting?

The webcast on the DCC website is not in the archives yet and the meeting seems to be finished

Budget was passed with the call out charge, according to rte. it's "expected" that the homes insurance policy will cover the charge.

Sunnyisland

http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/1128/dublincitycouncil.html

Dublin City councillors have approved a budget that involves cuts of 50% to capital expenditure.
1 of Councillors approved a budget that involves cuts of 50% to capital expenditure The council officials had also proposed a 2% cut in the commercial rates to aid business leading to a reduction in income terms of just under €7m.

But Fine Gael and Labour councillors amended this to a 1.7% reduction with the extra €1m in income diverted to gully cleaning in flood risk areas and the provision of a bulk waster collection service.
The council also plans to save €60m over the next five years by privatising the bin collection services from next January.
Waivers for those on low income will last for 2012 but residents of senior citizen housing and flat complexes will be required to pay €1.50 a week for waste collection.
A €500 call out charge for the fire brigade will be imposed on householders but the council says that in most instances the cost will be covered by insurance policies.
Homes without insurance will be dealt with on a case by case basis

muck_savage

pay motor tax??? Road traffic act 1933

ROAD TRAFFIC ACT, 1933.

AN ACT TO AMEND AND CONSOLIDATE THE LAW RELATING TO MECHANICALLY PROPELLED VEHICLES, THE REGULATION AND CONTROL OF ROAD TRAFFIC, AND THE USE OF MECHANICALLY PROPELLED VEHICLES FOR THE CARRIAGE OF PASSENGERS, TO MAKE PROVISION FOR COMPULSORY INSURANCE AGAINST LIABILITIES ARISING FROM NEGLIGENT DRIVING OF MECHANICALLY PROPELLED VEHICLES, AND TO MAKE PROVISION FOR OTHER MATTERS CONNECTED WITH THE MATTERS AFORESAID. [29th June, 1933.].

BE IT ENACTED BY THE OIREACHTAS OF SAORSTÁT EIREANN AS FOLLOWS:—

PART I.

Preliminary and General.

Short title.

1.—This Act may be cited as the Road Traffic Act, 1933.

Commencement of Act.

2.—This Act shall come into operation on such day or days as may be fixed therefor by any order or orders of the Minister, either generally or with reference to any particular purpose or provision and different days may be so fixed for different purposes and different provisions of this Act.

Definitions.

3.—In this Act—

the expression “the Minister” means the Minister for Local Government and Public Health;

the expression “the Commissioner” means the Commissioner of the Gárda Síochána;

the word “vehicle” includes every kind of carriage, conveyance, or machine, however propelled or drawn, which is constructed or adapted for use on roads or on permanent rails laid on roads, whether such carriage, conveyance, or machine is supported on wheels, rollers, moving track, or sliding runners, and whether such carriage, conveyance, or machine is or is not used or capable of being used for the carriage of persons or of goods, but the said word does not include any carriage or conveyance which is carried and wholly supported by human beings or animals;

the expression “mechanically propelled vehicle” does not include a tramcar or other vehicle running on permanent rails;

the expression “public service vehicle” means a mechanically propelled vehicle used for the carriage of passengers for reward;

the expression “large public service vehicle” means a public service vehicle having seating accommodation for more than six persons exclusive of the driver;

the expression “small public service vehicle” means a public service vehicle which is not a large public service vehicle;

the word “omnibus” means a large public service vehicle which is for the time being used on a definite route for the carriage of passengers who are carried at separate fares and are picked up and set down along such route whether on request or at fixed stopping places;

the word “charabanc” means a large public service vehicle which is for the time being used for the carriage of passengers for reward otherwise than as an omnibus;

the expression “street service vehicle” means a small public service vehicle the driver of which offers in a public place himself and the said vehicle for hire and for that purpose stands or drives such vehicle in a public place;

the expression “private hire vehicle” means a small public service vehicle which is used for the carriage of passengers for reward and is not a street service vehicle;

the expression “pedal bicycle” means a bicycle which is designed and constructed for propulsion solely by the physical exertions of a person or persons seated thereon;

the expression “pedal tricycle” means a tricycle which is designed and constructed for propulsion solely by the physical exertions of a person or persons seated thereon;

the expression “pedal cyclist” means a person riding or having control or management of a pedal bicycle or a pedal tricycle;

the expression “public place” means any street, road, or other place to which the public have access with vehicles whether as of right or by permission and whether subject to or free of charge;

the expression “fire brigade vehicle” means a mechanically propelled vehicle owned and maintained by a local authority for the purpose of extinguishing fires or any purpose incidental thereto or for the conveyance of persons employed for any such purpose by such local authority;

the word “ambulance” means a mechanically propelled vehicle specially designed and constructed for the conveyance of sick or injured persons;

the word “road” means any public road and includes any bridge, pipe, arch, gully, footway, pavement, fence, railing, or wall forming part thereof;

the word “roadway” means that portion of any road which is provided primarily for the use of vehicles;

the word “footway” means that portion of any road which is provided primarily for the use of pedestrians;

the expression “period of summer time” means a period appointed by or under the Summer Time Act, 1925 (No. 8 of 1925), or any enactment amending that Act to be a period of summer time;

the expression “lighting-up hours” means—

(a) in relation to any time which is a period of summer time, the period commencing one hour after sunset on any day and expiring one hour before sunrise on the next day, and

(b) in relation to any time which is not a period of summer time, the period commencing one half-hour after sunset on any day and expiring one half-hour before sunrise on the next day;

the word “driving” when used in relation to a mechanically propelled vehicle includes managing and controlling, and the word “driver” and other cognate words shall be construed accordingly;

the word “owner” when used in relation to a mechanically propelled vehicle which is the subject of a hiring agreement (other than a mere contract for the carriage of persons or goods) or a hire purchase agreement means the person in possession of such vehicle under such agreement;

the expression “prescribed” means prescribed by regulations made by the Minister under this Act.

Definition of pneumatic tyre.

4.—(1) The Minister may by regulations made by him under this Act do all or any of the following things, that is to say:—

(a) prescribe the characteristics and qualities to be possessed by a tyre in order that it may be a pneumatic tyre for the purposes of this Act,

(b) declare that a tyre which, though not containing air under pressure, possesses certain specified characteristics or qualities shall be a pneumatic tyre for the purposes of this Act,

(c) declare that a tyre which possesses certain specified characteristics or qualities shall not be a pneumatic tyre for the purposes of this Act notwithstanding that it contains air under pressure.

(2) If regulations are made under this section then, so long as such regulations remain in force, the expression “pneumatic tyre” shall wherever it occurs in this Act (except this section) mean a tyre which under such regulations is a pneumatic tyre for the purposes of this Act.

(3) Every regulation made under this section shall be laid before each House of the Oireachtas as soon as may be after it is made, and if a resolution annulling such regulation is passed by either such House within the next subsequent twenty-one days on which that House has sat after such regulation is so laid before it, such regulation shall be annulled accordingly but without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under such regulation.

Application to persons and vehicles in the service of the State.

5.—(1) Save as is otherwise provided by this section, this Act applies to persons in the public service of the State and to vehicles owned by the State.



as it states above only state owned vehicles are obliged to pay TAX!! well i dont work for the state so i wont ne payin road TAX!!

Victor

muck_savage wrote: »

pay motor tax??? Road traffic act 1933

...

as it states above only state owned vehicles are obliged to pay TAX!! well i dont work for the state so i wont ne payin road TAX!!

Motor tax is charged under the Finance Acts. Road Traffic Act 1933 has been repealed http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/1961/en/act/pub/0024/sec0010.html

Collectively, we have been living beyond our means for years, we now have to pay that back.

The 5% evasion of motor tax costs local government €50m per year.

BornToKill

muck_savage wrote: »

as it states above only state owned vehicles are obliged to pay TAX!! well i dont work for the state so i wont ne payin road TAX!!

Where does it say only?

hardCopy

How do they determine who is liable for call-out charges.

If someone calls in a prank call with my address, am I liable? How does this work in other counties where this is already charged.

cloud493

That is the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard in my life. Absolutely absurd, no way.

Paulzx

muck_savage wrote: »

pay motor tax??? Road traffic act 1933

ROAD TRAFFIC ACT, 1933.

AN ACT TO AMEND AND CONSOLIDATE THE LAW RELATING TO MECHANICALLY PROPELLED VEHICLES, THE REGULATION AND CONTROL OF ROAD TRAFFIC, AND THE USE OF MECHANICALLY PROPELLED VEHICLES FOR THE CARRIAGE OF PASSENGERS, TO MAKE PROVISION FOR COMPULSORY INSURANCE AGAINST LIABILITIES ARISING FROM NEGLIGENT DRIVING OF MECHANICALLY PROPELLED VEHICLES, AND TO MAKE PROVISION FOR OTHER MATTERS CONNECTED WITH THE MATTERS AFORESAID. [29th June, 1933.].

BE IT ENACTED BY THE OIREACHTAS OF SAORSTÁT EIREANN AS FOLLOWS:—

PART I.

Preliminary and General.

Short title.

1.—This Act may be cited as the Road Traffic Act, 1933.

Commencement of Act.

2.—This Act shall come into operation on such day or days as may be fixed therefor by any order or orders of the Minister, either generally or with reference to any particular purpose or provision and different days may be so fixed for different purposes and different provisions of this Act.

Definitions.

3.—In this Act—

the expression “the Minister” means the Minister for Local Government and Public Health;

the expression “the Commissioner” means the Commissioner of the Gárda Síochána;

the word “vehicle” includes every kind of carriage, conveyance, or machine, however propelled or drawn, which is constructed or adapted for use on roads or on permanent rails laid on roads, whether such carriage, conveyance, or machine is supported on wheels, rollers, moving track, or sliding runners, and whether such carriage, conveyance, or machine is or is not used or capable of being used for the carriage of persons or of goods, but the said word does not include any carriage or conveyance which is carried and wholly supported by human beings or animals;

the expression “mechanically propelled vehicle” does not include a tramcar or other vehicle running on permanent rails;

the expression “public service vehicle” means a mechanically propelled vehicle used for the carriage of passengers for reward;

the expression “large public service vehicle” means a public service vehicle having seating accommodation for more than six persons exclusive of the driver;

the expression “small public service vehicle” means a public service vehicle which is not a large public service vehicle;

the word “omnibus” means a large public service vehicle which is for the time being used on a definite route for the carriage of passengers who are carried at separate fares and are picked up and set down along such route whether on request or at fixed stopping places;

the word “charabanc” means a large public service vehicle which is for the time being used for the carriage of passengers for reward otherwise than as an omnibus;

the expression “street service vehicle” means a small public service vehicle the driver of which offers in a public place himself and the said vehicle for hire and for that purpose stands or drives such vehicle in a public place;

the expression “private hire vehicle” means a small public service vehicle which is used for the carriage of passengers for reward and is not a street service vehicle;

the expression “pedal bicycle” means a bicycle which is designed and constructed for propulsion solely by the physical exertions of a person or persons seated thereon;

the expression “pedal tricycle” means a tricycle which is designed and constructed for propulsion solely by the physical exertions of a person or persons seated thereon;

the expression “pedal cyclist” means a person riding or having control or management of a pedal bicycle or a pedal tricycle;

the expression “public place” means any street, road, or other place to which the public have access with vehicles whether as of right or by permission and whether subject to or free of charge;

the expression “fire brigade vehicle” means a mechanically propelled vehicle owned and maintained by a local authority for the purpose of extinguishing fires or any purpose incidental thereto or for the conveyance of persons employed for any such purpose by such local authority;

the word “ambulance” means a mechanically propelled vehicle specially designed and constructed for the conveyance of sick or injured persons;

the word “road” means any public road and includes any bridge, pipe, arch, gully, footway, pavement, fence, railing, or wall forming part thereof;

the word “roadway” means that portion of any road which is provided primarily for the use of vehicles;

the word “footway” means that portion of any road which is provided primarily for the use of pedestrians;

the expression “period of summer time” means a period appointed by or under the Summer Time Act, 1925 (No. 8 of 1925), or any enactment amending that Act to be a period of summer time;

the expression “lighting-up hours” means—

(a) in relation to any time which is a period of summer time, the period commencing one hour after sunset on any day and expiring one hour before sunrise on the next day, and

(b) in relation to any time which is not a period of summer time, the period commencing one half-hour after sunset on any day and expiring one half-hour before sunrise on the next day;

the word “driving” when used in relation to a mechanically propelled vehicle includes managing and controlling, and the word “driver” and other cognate words shall be construed accordingly;

the word “owner” when used in relation to a mechanically propelled vehicle which is the subject of a hiring agreement (other than a mere contract for the carriage of persons or goods) or a hire purchase agreement means the person in possession of such vehicle under such agreement;

the expression “prescribed” means prescribed by regulations made by the Minister under this Act.

Definition of pneumatic tyre.

4.—(1) The Minister may by regulations made by him under this Act do all or any of the following things, that is to say:—

(a) prescribe the characteristics and qualities to be possessed by a tyre in order that it may be a pneumatic tyre for the purposes of this Act,

(b) declare that a tyre which, though not containing air under pressure, possesses certain specified characteristics or qualities shall be a pneumatic tyre for the purposes of this Act,

(c) declare that a tyre which possesses certain specified characteristics or qualities shall not be a pneumatic tyre for the purposes of this Act notwithstanding that it contains air under pressure.

(2) If regulations are made under this section then, so long as such regulations remain in force, the expression “pneumatic tyre” shall wherever it occurs in this Act (except this section) mean a tyre which under such regulations is a pneumatic tyre for the purposes of this Act.

(3) Every regulation made under this section shall be laid before each House of the Oireachtas as soon as may be after it is made, and if a resolution annulling such regulation is passed by either such House within the next subsequent twenty-one days on which that House has sat after such regulation is so laid before it, such regulation shall be annulled accordingly but without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under such regulation.

Application to persons and vehicles in the service of the State.

5.—(1) Save as is otherwise provided by this section, this Act applies to persons in the public service of the State and to vehicles owned by the State.



as it states above only state owned vehicles are obliged to pay TAX!! well i dont work for the state so i wont ne payin road TAX!!

Your post has absolutely nothing got to do with the topic of the thread

Sunnyisland

:rolleyes:
I reckon charges are a great idea . In fact they don't charge half enough . They should charge double the existing charges and make the service cost neutral. In fact, I reckon it has the potential to turn the economy around. If more people let their houses catch fire, then they could get more money in, The builders and interior designers etc would all get an increase in business and the knock on effect for jobs could half unemployment.:D:D
All the retained brigades would probably get increased calls and the extra wages would go back into the local economy - Which political party said that a rising tide lifts all boats ?
We could get rid of the fire prevention departments altogether to increase calls thereby increasing income and cutting costs at the same time, In fact there could be no end to the income possibilities, They could collect refuse in the appliances between shouts at half the price of the corporation, then burn it on some poor misfortunes land and bill him/her for allowing rubbish to be burnt :eek:
In fact if things were to work out they could forget about doing incidentents like fire and rescue work and just knock on doors and extort money from the taxpayers .
Or maybe that's whats Going to happen with these charges anyway.:);)

Goodshape

I remember this from last year: Firefighters Watch As Home Burns: Gene Cranick's House Destroyed In Tennessee Over $75 Fee

And remember thinking America's a messed up place, charging for emergency services like that. And that was just $75.

What are we paying taxes for if not to maintain a living, healthy, educated population? ....oh right, yeah, those bankers need a hand-out. That trumps all I guess.

Sunnyisland

MEATH CC Fire Brigade Charges are payable for the attendance of the Fire Brigade at fires in domestic, commercial and industrial premises, and also for other special services i.e. attendance at road traffic accidents, flooding etc.


CAVAN CC Fire brigade charges applicable from 1 March 2010 (No charge where there is a fatality).

• Fire-fighter’s Fees plus 20% for:
  • Domestic Fires.
  • Industrial Fires.
  • Other Fires
  • Road Traffic Accidents
• Chimney Fires charged at €150
• Fallen Trees charged at €150

DONEGAL CC Fire Service Charges are an important element of the financing of the fire service. Donegal County Council charge €100.00 per brigade for a domestic call out. Commercial premises and road traffic collisions callouts are charged; the no. of hours brigade attended x no. of men. x rate per hour plus 30% for administration.


Nice to know if you die in a fire in cavan you dont have to pay.:(

Cookie_Monster

realies wrote: »

DONEGAL CC - plus 30% for administration.

:eek:

30% for what exactly, how much administration is there :eek:

Victor

Oh, there are industries that maintain their own part-time fire brigades - Guinness have one in St. James Gate, Dublin Airport and lots of chemical industries - there are a half dozen private fire trucks in Ringaskiddy in Cork.

realies wrote: »

:rolleyes:
I reckon charges are a great idea . In fact they don't charge half enough . They should charge double the existing charges and make the service cost neutral. In fact, I reckon it has the potential to turn the economy around. If more people let their houses catch fire, then they could get more money in, The builders and interior designers etc would all get an increase in business and the knock on effect for jobs could half unemployment.:D:D
All the retained brigades would probably get increased calls and the extra wages would go back into the local economy - Which political party said that a rising tide lifts all boats ?
We could get rid of the fire prevention departments altogether to increase calls thereby increasing income and cutting costs at the same time, In fact there could be no end to the income possibilities, They could collect refuse in the appliances between shouts at half the price of the corporation, then burn it on some poor misfortunes land and bill him/her for allowing rubbish to be burnt :eek:
In fact if things were to work out they could forget about doing incidentents like fire and rescue work and just knock on doors and extort money from the taxpayers .
Or maybe that's whats Going to happen with these charges anyway.:);)

While I realise this is parody, one needs to distinguish between wealth and income.

Goodshape wrote: »

I remember this from last year: Firefighters Watch As Home Burns: Gene Cranick's House Destroyed In Tennessee Over $75 Fee

And remember thinking America's a messed up place, charging for emergency services like that. And that was just $75.

What are we paying taxes for if not to maintain a living, healthy, educated population? ....oh right, yeah, those bankers need a hand-out. That trumps all I guess.

Yes, that was a messed up situation. However, in Ireland the charges are paid for after, not demanded up front. Better to provide the service and charge on a remaining asset than one that has burnt down.

Cookie_Monster wrote: »

:eek: 30% for what exactly, how much administration is there :eek:

Training time, pensions, payroll, supervision ...

hardCopy

realies wrote: »

Nice to know if you die in a fire in cavan you dont have to pay.:(

Recession Busting Tip: If your house is burning down, throw one of the neighbours in and it's free!

JuliusCaesar

realies wrote: »

CAVAN CC Fire brigade charges applicable from 1 March 2010 (No charge where there is a fatality).

Is that cos it's the fire brigade's fault that somebody dies?

MadMardegan

Sorry if this was already addressed in the thread but does this include ambulance call outs? Or is it just for fire crews?

Chinasea

I think there should be a charge alright but if the usual waivers are thrown in the mix then no.

ChunkyLover_53

MadMardegan wrote: »

Sorry if this was already addressed in the thread but does this include ambulance call outs? Or is it just for fire crews?

It does apply to Dublin Fire Brigade Ambulances but I'm not sure about HSE Ambulances

A friend of mine lost control of his car during the recent icy patches and was knocked out on impact. DFB Ambulance brought him to A&E. He got a bill for €450+ in the post from the County Council plus his hospital charges.

That'll teach him to be more careful on icy roads.

MadMardegan

ChunkyLover_53 wrote: »

It does apply to Dublin Fire Brigade Ambulances but I'm not sure about HSE Ambulances

A friend of mine lost control of his car during the recent icy patches and was knocked out on impact. DFB Ambulance brought him to A&E. He got a bill for €450+ in the post from the County Council plus his hospital charges.

That'll teach him to be more careful on icy roads.

How dare he lose control of his car on ice! /sarcasm

Hope your friend is okay

I only heard about all this for the first time today. I heard it was coming into affect on Monday. Can't believe I haven't heard of this before. My aul one said it to me earlier, she heard it on Joe Duffy this morning.
I work as an EMT full time, providing event medical cover, and the amount of time people request ambulances when there is no need for one is phenomenal. I see why they want to bring in charges but I think it's bad for those who truly do need ambulance/fire crews.

expectationlost

https://www.householdcharge.ie/

These services are essential to your community. They include: fire and emergency services; maintenance and cleaning of streets; planning and development; public parks; street lighting; libraries; open spaces and leisure amenities. These facilities benefit everyone.

so why the call out charge

mikom

expectationlost wrote: »

https://www.householdcharge.ie/

These services are essential to your community. They include: fire and emergency services; maintenance and cleaning of streets; planning and development; public parks; street lighting; libraries; open spaces and leisure amenities. These facilities benefit everyone.

so why the call out charge

Because the household charge is not going towards any of those things listed on their website.
It's all lies.
Shur out here in the country where I am (west of Ireland) we don't even have maintenance and cleaning of streets as we have none, public parks.... none, .... street lighting..... none, open spaces... yes, but they belong to the farmers.
We still pay a fire tender call out charge.
Lies.

Citygirl1

hardCopy wrote: »

How do they determine who is liable for call-out charges.

If someone calls in a prank call with my address, am I liable? How does this work in other counties where this is already charged.

Hi - I'd be interested in an answer to this question also.

As noted earlier in the thread, prank calls should, in theory, be first to be charged for. However, in reality, they are the ones which will be virtually impossible to collect, due to the difficulty establishing who is responsible. The police will certainly not want to get involved in this.

The victim of a prank call should definitely not be sent a bill for the call-out.

Victor

expectationlost wrote: »

https://www.householdcharge.ie/

These services are essential to your community. They include: fire and emergency services; maintenance and cleaning of streets; planning and development; public parks; street lighting; libraries; open spaces and leisure amenities. These facilities benefit everyone.

so why the call out charge

Estimated income from Household Charge €150,000,000

2010 Budgeted Current Expenditure and Income of Local Authorities by Authority Type €4,655,689,575

So, the Household Charge will cover perhaps 3.2% of local authority expenditure in a year, give or take until the 12 January. Where do you suggest the rest of the money comes from?

Cookie_Monster

Victor wrote: »

So, the Household Charge will cover perhaps 3.2% of local authority expenditure in a year, give or take until the 12 January. Where do you suggest the rest of the money comes from?

1. Central government via taxes
2. Business rates and rent
3. Amalgamating the stupid number of LA into 4 provincial ones and getting rid of all the senseless duplication and waste.

expectationlost

Victor wrote: »

Estimated income from Household Charge €150,000,000

2010 Budgeted Current Expenditure and Income of Local Authorities by Authority Type €4,655,689,575

So, the Household Charge will cover perhaps 3.2% of local authority expenditure in a year, give or take until the 12 January. Where do you suggest the rest of the money comes from?

i not questioning that im favour of reforming the funding for local authorities (alhtough what are income tax is for ?), i just want to be clear on what its for.

so firebrigade funding... household charge or call outs charges?

Dodge

hasn't there always been a call out charge of some sorts? Almost certain a friend of mine said it was on an insurance claim he made on his house

Victor

Other councils already have such charges. Dublin was pretty much the exception.

Dodge

May have been SDCC (he's borderline...)