Vol. 510 No. 6
64 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he has satisfied himself that sufficient steps are being taken by way of home fire prevention in view of annual deaths of approximately 50 people from fires in the home; and the further steps, if any, he proposes in this regard. [23279/99]
Part B of the building regulations, which came into effect on 1 June 1992, sets out the requirements in relation to fire safety in the design and construction of new buildings and the extension of or material alteration to, existing buildings. These requirements were updated when I published a revised and upgraded Technical Guidance Document B (Fire Safety) in December 1997 which recommended that houses built on or after 1 July 1998, should be fitted with mains operated smoke alarms.
Fire safety in the home is the responsibility of the individual householder. Better awareness of the dangers of fires and fire hazards, together with simple common sense fire prevention practices and the installation of smoke alarms, can help to prevent and reduce the number of fires and consequent tragic fatalities and injuries. Accordingly, the National Safety Council, which is responsible for the promotion of fire safety, actively encourages fire safety in the home as part of its ongoing fire safety education and publicity campaigns. Particular stress has been placed in recent media campaigns on the routine tasks to be carried out nightly to guard against fire and on the value of smoke alarms which, if installed and maintained, can provide early warning of fire and save lives. As regards smoke alarms, local authorities have been asked by my Department to consider their provision in all their rented dwellings. The vast majority of house insurance policies also provide a financial incentive in the form of discounts where smoke detectors are provided. I am satisfied that fire safety in the home is best achieved with the voluntary and active involvement of householders and this will continue to be supported by the National Safety Council.
