asked the Minister for Finance whether the wiring to certain showcases in the National Museum is in plastic insulated cables; and whether such cables are regarded as acceptable for this purpose from a safety point of view.
24.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fire Safety Precautions.
23.
asked the Minister for Finance whether there are wooden fuse boards with brass covered switches and wiring in wooden casings in the ceramic room and the 17th century furniture room in the National Museum; and whether these arrangements are in accordance with modern safety standards.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 23 and 24 together.
The wiring to a number of showcases in the National Museum is in heavy-duty plastic-insulated cable, and the interior wiring of the cases is in a lighter type of cable, also plastic-insulated. This is quite satisfactory from the safety point of view.
The electrical installation in the ceramic room and the 17th century furniture room is generally as described but while this is not in accordance with modern practice I am advised that it is not in any way dangerous. The installation will be dealt with as part of a general rewiring scheme which it is proposed to carry out at the museum.
The Parliamentary Secretary said that it is not in accordance with modern practice. Will he indicate why modern practice has changed? Could it by any chance be because the older practice was found to be unsafe? Would he not agree that to have our museum in a condition that it is not wired according to modern practice and that, therefore, a greater possibility of fire exists, is totally unsatisfactory and should be dealt with immediately?
My advice is that we should make certain investigations as to the best modern practice in various museums around the world. This is being done now. We believed it was better to familiarise ourselves as best we can, to get the best information, before proceeding with the rewiring. As I say, the investigations are in progress.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary seriously telling the House that this Government do not know what is modern practice in regard to electrical wiring?
Is the Deputy not aware that technology is changing daily?
Changing hourly around here.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary saying, therefore, that as it is changing daily he is never going to do the rewiring because on no day will he be up-to-date? Will the Parliamentary Secretary take the responsibility if there is a fire in the museum?
There is no danger of fire in the museum.
25.
asked the Minister for Finance the cause of the fire in the National Gallery, Dublin in June, 1969; and the steps taken to ensure against a recurrence.
I am advised that there was no outbreak of fire in the National Gallery in June, 1969. The building is equipped with smoke detection and fire alarm system.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary say whether any fire occurred in the National Gallery in the last five years?
No, Sir. There is a smoke detecting early warning system. This has gone off once or twice, as a result perhaps of some Deputy smoking too many cigarettes.
Then there was smoke without fire.
26.
asked the Minister for Finance if wiring in the Custom House, Dublin has been renewed since its installation after the fire in 1921.
The wiring was renewed in 1941-42.
The Custom House was rewired over 30 years ago. Is that right?
That is right.
I see. Thank you.