asked the Minister for the Environment if he is satisfied that private hospitals and nursing homes are implementing fire regulations as laid down by his Department in the interests of safety; if he is satisfied that local authorities are fulfilling their function in ensuring that inspections are carried out on a regular basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Hospital Fire Precautions.
266.
Under section 18 of the Fire Services Act, 1981, responsibility for taking measures to guard against the outbreak of fire in certain buildings, including institutions, and ensuring the safety of persons in the event of a fire rests with the owners of the buildings concerned.
Fire authorities have wide powers under the 1981 Act to inspect buildings and to require the owners of such premises to carry out any necessary fire precaution measures. It is a matter for each fire authority to decide which premises should be inspected and what measures are required in the interest of fire safety. My Department have urged fire authorities to use these powers in relation to potentially dangerous buildings and has received periodic reports which indicate that the number of inspections of such buildings has increased significantly in recent years. I will continue to monitor the situation to ensure that inspections continue at a high level.