asked the Minister for Local Government if he will direct Bord Fáilte to take positive action to ensure that all hotels approved by them have adequate fire escape facilities.
5.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hotel Fire Escape Facilities.
4.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he will take positive steps to ensure that all hotels in the State have adequate fire escapes.
6.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he will consider making State funds available to assist Irish hotels in the provision of fire escapes.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take the replies to Questions Nos. 4, 5 and 6 together.
In so far as any hotel may be a potentially dangerous building as defined in the Fire Brigades Act, 1940, it is subject to the control of the fire brigade authority under that Act. The authority may require the proprietor to refrain from using the building unless specified fire precautions are taken. These may include the provision of appliances or fittings for enabling the occupants to escape from the building on the occurrence of a fire. I have been concerned at the possible risk of loss of life from fire, and on 20th May, 1964, I asked all fire brigade authorities to carry out up-to-date surveys of all potentially dangerous buildings in their areas, particularly those providing substantial dormitory accommodation. I pointed out that appropriate action should be taken in relation to such buildings and that, where necessary, owners should be compelled to refrain from using them altogether or until effective fire precautions had been put into force to render the buildings reasonably safe.
I am not empowered to direct Bord Fáilte to take any action to ensure that all hotels approved by them have adequate fire escape facilities. My views, however, as to the necessity for the provision of such facilities have been brought to the notice of Bord Fáilte.
In the case of new or reconstructed hotels I understand that grants are not paid by Bord Fáilte until the Fire Brigade Authority have certified that their requirements as to fire precautions have been met and that in the case of existing hotels, the payment of a grant towards the provision of fire escape facilities, required by the Fire Brigade Authority, will be considered.