Seamus Kirk
Question:108 Mr. Kirk asked the Minister for the Environment the measures, if any, he is considering to tackle the serious fire hazard associated with two-storied houses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12282/96]
Written Answers. - Fire Safety Measures.
The design and construction of all new buildings, and material alterations to or changes of use of existing buildings, including houses, must comply with the building regulations. The regulations include detailed requirements relating, inter alia, to fire safety, and advice as to how these may be met is contained in a separate technical guidance document published by my Department.
All of the technical guidance documents which accompany the regulations are at an advanced stage of review within my Department; revised documents will improve the minimum standards of many aspects of new buildings, including the level of fire detection and window design in new housing. The National Safety Council undertakes a range of measures, including annual publicity campaigns, lectures, posters, leaflets, installation of smoke alarms on a pilot basis for certain classes of persons, etc. which are aimed at promoting greater awareness of the dangers of fire across the community.