asked the Minister for Local Government the extent to which local authorities inspect flats in relation to fire hazard, overcrowding and sanitation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Flats Inspection.
71.
Local authorities have power to inspect flats for any purpose connected with the Housing Acts, as well as for a variety of other purposes, including the administration of the Local Government (Sanitary Services) Acts, 1878 to 1964, the Fire Brigades Act, 1940, and the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963. The exercise of these powers is primarily a matter for each local authority concerned but in regard to fire risks, I asked all local authorities by circular letter in May, 1971, to take steps to ensure protection against outbreaks of fire in potentially dangerous buildings, including flats and bedsitters.
Statistics of the number of the inspections of flats carried out by local authorities are not kept in my Department.
Would the Minister consider the drawing up of bye-laws setting out minimum standards in regard to fire safety, sanitation and the overcrowding of flats? Copies of these bye-laws could be made available to each local authority. It would assist them in dealing with planning applications for conversions.
We make recommendations for the advice of the fire officers. As the Deputy is probably aware, new national building regulations are being prepared at present. They will lay down standards for new buildings, public and private.