My Department is not aware of any existing or proposed EU Directive along the lines outlined by the Deputy. The building regulations provide for fire safety in relation to the construction of new buildings and the alteration, extension or change of use of existing buildings. I consolidated various regulations made since 1991 last year and simultaneously issued a revised set of 12 technical guidance documents on the regulations, including an updated edition of Technical Guidance Document B on Fire Safety. The revised guidance requires that all new houses commencing on or after 1 July 1998 have mains operated smoke alarms installed and that all bedroom windows are suitable for use as a secondary means of escape.
The revised Technical Guidance Document B is a substantial measure to improve fire safety in houses and I have no proposals to amend it further at this stage.
In the case of flats, a fire safety certificate is required and the building control authority have regard to the proposed means of escape in granting such a certificate. The "Guide to Fire Safety in Flats, Bedsitters and Apartments" issued by my Department in July 1994 includes advice on the means of escape, including the provision of either internal protected stairways or external stairways. The guide is designed to help persons in control of buildings to comply with their duty of care under section 18 of the Fire Services Act, 1981.
