asked the Minister for the Environment if he is satisfied with the standards of public safety in nightclubs and discotheques, particularly in relation to fire hazards, ventilation, exits and overcrowding; the steps taken by local authorities to ensure compliance with fire and other regulations in the public interest; whether such regulations may be enforced in respect of self-styled private clubs; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Night-Club Safety Regulations.
20.
Premises used for public dancing are licensed by the District Courts in accordance with the provisions of the Public Dance Halls Act, 1935. The Public Health Acts (Amendment) Act, 1890 makes provision for the licensing, also by the District Courts, of premises used for public singing, music, or similar public entertainment. The Deputy will appreciate that I have no function in relation to such licensing. I am aware, however, that it is the practice of local authorities to inspect premises for which licences are sought and to recommend any fire safety or other appropriate requirements to the courts. It is, of course, a matter for the courts to determine the conditions of licences. In addition, local authorities have substantial powers enabling them to exercise controls in relation to fire danger in premises of the type mentioned by the Deputy. The main statutory provisions are contained in the Fire Brigades Act, 1940. This Act empowers sanitary authorities to inspect buildings which are believed to be, or suspected to be, potentially dangerous from a fire point of view and, if necessary, to take steps to have the use of a building discontinued until specified changes are made in the interests of fire and safety.
While it is a matter for the regulating authority concerned to determine safety standards in particular cases, my Department have issued, for guidance of local authorities, recommended fire fighting standards covering structural fire protection, fire fighting equipment, means of escape, fire drills and evacuation procedures.
Are the recommended fire safety standards to which the Minister has just referred embodied in the national building regulations?
No.
Are they separate?
They are separate.