Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 13 Nov 1996

Vol. 471 No. 5

Written Answers. - Fire Safety.

Helen Keogh

Question:

44 Ms Keogh asked the Minister for the Environment the number of persons who suffered death due to fire outbreaks in the home in each of the years from 1992 to 1995; and the fire protection strategies, if any, he will introduce in the context of the building regulations. [21122/96]

Ivor Callely

Question:

119 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Environment the measures, if any, he intends to introduce to reduce the risk of house fires this winter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21210/96]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment (Ms McManus)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 44 and 119 together.

Information supplied by fire authorities indicates that fatalities from fires in the home which were attended by fire brigades totalled 47 in 1992; 48 in 1993; 42 in 1994; and 38 in 1995.

The Building Control Act and the Building Regulations prescribe detailed fire safety requirements for new buildings and for material alterations or changes of use. 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. Following a review by my Department, it is intended to publish new technical guidance before the end of the year; this will require improved standards in many aspects of new buildings, including fire safety provisions.

In the last analysis, fire safety in the home is the responsibility of the individual householder, and, in this context, better awareness of the dangers of fire can help to prevent and minimise house fires. The National Safety Council continues to operate a fire safety programme which, this year, included a Fire Prevention Focus Week which concentrated on the importance of fire safety in the home, emphasising smoke alarms.