asked the Minister for Local Government whether in view of the heavy fire losses incurred recently he will take steps to ensure the provision of adequate fire-fighting equipment in all premises towards which a State grant has been provided, whether in respect of the buildings or of the purposes for which they are used.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers - Fire-fighting Equipment.
40.
In the case of buildings other than State buildings, the responsibility for ensuring the provision of adequate fire-fighting equipment in potentially dangerous buildings is one for the fire brigade authority. A general review of fire service organisation is being undertaken at present and considerable progress has been made. The Fire Standards Committee have completed their consideration of revised Fire Protection Standards and it is expected that they will be available at an early date. In conjunction with the issue of the new Standards I intend to ask fire brigade authorities to carry out fresh surveys of all buildings whose condition or use could be regarded as constituting a special fire hazard. These surveys will include a review of the adequacy of fire-fighting equipment. In the meantime specific steps have been taken towards increasing public consciousness of major fire hazards and fire precaution measures.