Vol. 466 No. 8
73 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment if he will review the building regulations in view of the recent fire tragedies, particularly in relation to window sizes; and if he will commence an awareness campaign on fire safety in the home. [12331/96]
91 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Environment if he will give details of the programme of promoting public awareness in relation to fire safety in 1996; the total moneys allocated to this programme; the source(s) of these moneys; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12379/96]
92 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Environment the total number of deaths arising from house fires in 1995; the number of such deaths to date in 1996; the additional measures, if any, he intends to introduce to help prevent such fires; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12380/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 73, 91 and 92 together.
The Building Control Act, and the building regulations made under the Act, prescribe detailed fire safety requirements for new buildings and for material alterations or changes of use thereto. Technical guidance documents, which accompany the Regulations, contain comprehensive guidance on matters such as means of escape — including the provision of smoke alarms — internal and external fire spread, and access and facilities for the fire brigade. The guidance documents are at present at an advanced stage of review within my Department. It is intended to publish a complete set of revised documents later in the year. These will expand and improve the minimum standards of many aspects of new buildings, including the level of fire detection and window design in new housing.
As regards housing generally, while the individual householder remains ultimately responsible for ensuring fire safety in the home, better awareness of the dangers of fire can help to prevent and minimise the incidence of house fires and their effects. The National Safety Council is responsible for the promotion of fire safety awareness, as well as road safety and water safety. A grant of £620,000 is provided in my Department's Estimates for 1996 towards the administration and general expenses of the council and substantial additional funds are received by the council from the insurance industry and other sources; the allocation of the funds available among its various services is a matter for the council.
