Explanatory Memorandum to Fire and Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 Explanatory Memorandum

Main Elements of the Order

9.The Order is in six parts. Part I sets out the title and commencement dates and includes general interpretation provisions. Part II, which comprises 6 chapters, provides for the establishment of the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service Board (NIFRSB). It also gives a statutory basis for core functions that have not previously been given legal effect and contains Articles relating to other powers of the Board, charging for fire and rescue services, water supplies, powers of fire and rescue officers and false alarms. Part III, which comprises 5 chapters, sets out the fire safety provisions, including the duties on employers, persons responsible for relevant premises and employees, the regulatory powers of the Department, enforcement arrangements, and offences relating to the new fire safety duties. Part IV covers the functions of the Department in relation to the new fire and rescue service arrangements and Part V contains supplementary provisions, including an offence in respect of assaults on fire and rescue officers. Part VI makes general provisions in respect of subordinate legislation, amendments and repeals. Schedule 1 sets out detailed arrangements for the operation of the Board and Schedule 2 provides for the transfer of functions etc from FANI to the Board. Amendments and repeals of other legislation are set out in Schedule 3 and Schedule 4 respectively.

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