Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 19 May 1993

Vol. 431 No. 1

Written Answers. - Fire Alarm Regulations.

Austin Currie

Question:

27 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for the Environment if, in view of continuing tragedies caused by house fires and the United States experience where legislation has resulted in smoke detectors being fitted in four out of five homes and domestic fire deaths have almost halved, he will make regulations under the Building Control Act requiring fire alarms to be provided in new buildings; if he will ensure that housing authorities do likewise in relation to public authority housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Environment (Mr. M. Smith)

Part B of the First Schedule to the Building Regulations, 1991, sets out requirements in relation to the fire precautions to be provided for in the design and construction of buildings. Guidance in relation to compliance with these requirements is contained in Technical Guidance Document B published under articles five of the Regulations. Houses designed and constructed in accordance with this document must be fitted with smoke detectors.

As regards existing local authority housing, while the primary responsibility for ensuring fire safety rests with each household, local authorities have been advised to actively encourage their tenants to provide and keep in good working order suitable domestic smoke detectors to approved standards.