Deputy Richard Bruton has been given permission to raise the question as to whether the new Government Buildings are accessible to a fire brigade with a turntable ladder and whether in the matter of the restoration fire regulations were borne in mind.
Adjournment Debate. - Access to Government Buildings.
Many of us were startled by the finding that the fire tender that tried to gain access to Government Buildings was unable to do so. It was brought to light on the "Gay Byrne Show" and we are all glad that the diligence of this research brought it to light.
However, the real bombshell for anyone interested in fire safety is the complacency there appears to be in Government circles about this finding. It would seem that the Government's attitude is that "a fire can never happen to us." Unfortunately, we live in a time when that is far from being the case. We only need to look at the events of last week when there was a mortar attack on 10 Downing Street to get a harrowing reminder of how things can go very much wrong. We have had an example of what lies behind Government thinking when it comes to fire safety.
The reason the fire brigade obtained these fire tenders with turntable ladders was essentially to try to service fires in buildings like the new Government buildings. These high buildings require big ladders to gain access to them. In the case of the Government's own building, the presence of a helicopter, and the likelihood of highly flammable fuel in the area, obviously adds to the risks. Not only does the fire tender give access by way of ladders to a great height, it also acts as a water tower which is an essential part of fire fighting.
It seems crazy, at a time when the Minister for the Environment is congratulating himself on having invested money in extra equipment for the fire service, that this fine piece of equipment cannot be used in Government Buildings.
The alternatives that seem to be protrayed for fighting a fire in Government Buildings are extraordinarily convoluted and would never be suggested as an effective fire fighting strategy. I have heard the suggestion that fire fighters will be expected to go over the top of the building. That makes no sense. If there is a fire underneath, firefighters cannot cross a burning building, and they certainly could not get people out.
We are facing a very serious issue of public confidence in the Government's approach to firefighting. The Minister was congratulating himself on the publication of guidelines for fire safety in places of assembly. Those guidelines do not have statutory force but he was congratulating himself that this was a great step forward. Now we discover that the Government are ignoring the rudiments of safety in their buildings. The new equipment cannot be used. It would be hard to blame others for cutting corners if this is the approach the Government are taking.
This whole issue illustrates, in a very telling way that rhetoric could not illustrate, why there is a need for statutory minimum requirements in regard to fire standards in buildings generally. Such standards, with legal force, were recommended by the Stardust Tribunal when they reported following that tragic fire ten years ago. Those findings are as true today as they were then. The Government should take this issue seriously and make the corrections that need to be made to ensure there is proper access to those buildings for the fire fighing service.
I can answer "yes" to the Deputy's two questions as put.
I am glad to have this opportunity to assure Deputy Bruton, the Members of this House and, indeed, all the staff in the buildings concerned who may have been alarmed by recent reports that the refurbishment works carried out in Government Buildings — including the fire prevention and fire fighting facilities — were carried out to the highest standards.
The standards for fire safety for Government Buildings are set by the proposed building regulations, 1983. While these are not statutory provisions, the Office of Public Works abide by them.
The Government Buildings complex meets the current regulations governing access for all types of fire tenders. Unlike most buildings, there is 100 per cent accessibility for fire tenders and turntables to the external perimeter. The courtyard facade is also accessible to standard tenders.
The Regulations are mainly concerned with the provision of internal escape routes to safe places. These have been provided in the refurbishment works. An automatic fire alarm system provides an early warning service. In addition, there is a 24 hour manned fire-watch provided by the Army.
The regulations relating to fire hydrants have been met with three hydrants replacing the single unit previously located in the courtyard and supplementing those on the perimeter roadway.
The building is fully equipped with dry risers and hose reels at each floor level. Dry risers are an alternative to turntable ladders from a fire-fighting point of view in most situations. The provision of fire extinguishers is in accordance with recognised codes of practice.
Special fire fighting provisions have been made for the roof top helipad. All fire safety arrangements are under the control of the Army guard.
The Government Buildings complex requires a high level of security. The three gates fronting onto Merrion Street are manned around the clock to prevent unauthorised entry. The special security requirements at the central gate in their present form only prevent entry for the fire brigade's larger extendable ladder, but allow entry for all other fire appliances.
That is the nub of the issue.
Just one moment. The other two gates allow access for all fire appliances, including the appliance the Deputy referred to. Fire safety and security procedures are kept under constant review. I hope, therefore, that Deputy Bruton's fears are now allayed. He need have no worries. There is no problem there whatever.
But the Minister has confirmed that special equipment cannot get in.
The Minister's reply concludes the debate. We will now proceed to item No. 3.