asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if he has been in touch with motor manufacturers to express concern at the high incidence of fires in motor cars in recent times; and if he has asked them to eliminate inflammable materials especially those used in seating and trimmings.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - Motor Car Fires.
7.
I share the Deputy's concern over the tragic loss of life which can arise from fires in motor cars.
I have no evidence to suggest that parts used in motor cars, which are standardised worldwide, are a major contributory factor in such fires. One of the primary factors is the addition by the public of poor quality car seat covers. I would urge the public to exercise greater care in this regard. For my part, I have asked the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards to draw up a standard for separate car seat covers.
Has the Minister considered introducing legally enforceable standards, or will he consider doing so when he gets the submission from the IIRS?
As I said, I have asked the institute to prepare a standard. They have undertaken to do so but have indicated that in their view legally it is doubtful whether such standards could be made mandatory on grounds of public safety. It would require those grounds to enable a mandatory standard to be made in this instance. However, that matter would fall to be examined further when they come forward with their proposals for a standard.