asked the Minister for Industry and Energy (a) if he is aware that while the draft building regulations require that fire tests on fire doors and other components be carried out according to British Standard No. 476, (Part 8), 1972 no facility to carry out such tests exists in Ireland; (b) if he proposes to have such a test facility provided by the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards; (c) if he is aware that the lack of such a test facility excludes Irish door manufacturers from a share of this market; and (d) if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Written Answers. - Fire Test Facility.
118.
I am aware that there is no facility in Ireland to carry out fire resistance tests to the requirements of B.S. 476: Part 8: 1972. The question of the provision of facilities to carry out fire resistance tests on fire doors is currently being examined in the context of the proposed new fire safety regulations being drawn up by the Department of Environment.
I would not accept that the lack of such facilities excludes Irish door manufacturers from having a share of this market. The Institute for Industrial Research and Standards can and do assist companies in arranging to have the necessary testing carried out at laboratories in the UK or other member states of the EEC.