Mr WF Gillespie, Chair - Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service

- 4 -National Employers’ CircularsMembers noted the following Circulars which had been circulated since the last Meetingof the Board.EMP/12/06 - Decisions taken at Employer and Joint Meetings –29 September 2006; andNJC/7/06 - Introduction of Continual Professional Development Payments.6 Chair’s BusinessThe Chair gave Members a brief overview of his activities since the last Meeting of theBoard. He highlighted in particular the Job Scene at the Odyssey Arena, the successfullaunch of National Fire Safety Week which had taken place in Dublin on 2 October 2006and the LIFE Scheme Graduation Ceremony held on 13 October 2006.Launch of Seat Belt CampaignThe Chair informed Members that he had attended the launch of the Department of theEnvironment’s Seat Belt Campaign. He expressed concern at the lack of co-ordinationand involvement of NIFRS personnel in the launch.Minister’s VisitThe Chair reported positively on the Minister’s visit to Central Fire Station on 10 October2006.Eastern Area CommandMembers expressed their appreciation to Area Commander Kerr and his staff for theirhospitality and their display of equipment, etc, prior to today’s Board Meeting.Launch of New Dimension EquipmentMr Bradley referred to the launch of the New Dimension equipment and Minister’s visiton 10 October and expressed his disappointment that Members of the Board had notbeen informed of or invited to the event.The Chair outlined the background to the Minister’s visit explaining that the Departmenthad approached the Chief Fire Officer to arrange a visit to a working Station at theMinister’s request and had asked particularly to meet personnel. He explained thatNIFRS had taken the opportunity to launch its New Dimension equipment.Mr Harper outlined his concerns regarding the matter and stated that it was his view thatMembers should have been informed of the launch.Board Meeting – 24 October 2006