Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 20 Oct 1992

Vol. 423 No. 8

Written Answers. - Safety, Health and Welfare Legislation.

Séamus Pattison

Question:

58 Mr. Pattison asked the Minister for the Environment if he will clarify the position that will arise after 31st December, 1992, in respect of the application and administration of EC Safety Health and Welfare legislation, with specific reference to EC Directive reference L393/2 Annex I and II; whether (a) the enforcement and guidance will be carried out by the present authority under Safety, Health and Welfare legislation or whether the Fire Authorities will have an input into the means of escape requirements (b) a Certificate of Means of Escape which was removed by Safety, Health and Welfare legislation in 1989 will be reintroduced (c) additional fire precaution works are anticipated in premises that already are in possession of a Certificate of Means of Escape issued under Safety and Health legislation; the authority which will be designated to police means of escape requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment (Miss Harney)

I refer to the reply given by the Minister for Labour to similar question on 8 October 1992. The matter is being kept under review in the light of the proposals for Regulations, referred to in that reply, to give effect to the Directive.

In regard to the final part of the Question, under the Fire Services Act 1981 it is the responsibility of the person in control of a premises covered by the Act — which would include most workplaces coming within the scope of the Directive — to take all reasonable measures to guard against the outbreak of fire on the premises, and to ensure as far as it is reasonably practicable, the safety of persons on the premises in the event of an outbreak of fire. The Building Regulations which apply to the construction of new buildings and to prescribed alterations to existing buildings provide for measures to protect such premises from fire. Fire and building control authorities already have appropriate enforcement power.