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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 3 Oct 2000

Vol. 523 No. 1

Written Answers. - Departmental Accommodation.

Denis Naughten

Question:

398 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if his attention has been drawn to the fact that severe overcrowding is taking place in a departmental office at Circular Road, Roscommon, which contravenes the Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act, 1989; the plans he has to improve these working conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20001/00]

Denis Naughten

Question:

399 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the departmental office at Circular Road, Roscommon, presents a serious fire hazard; the plans he has to ensure the safety of staff in this building in the event of a fire; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20002/00]

Denis Naughten

Question:

400 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the reason the fire extinguisher system at the departmental offices, Circular Road, Roscommon, has not been updated or checked since 1994; the reason there has been no fire drill held to evacuate staff or no meeting point established outside the building should a fire take place; the reason smoke alarms or fire blankets have not been installed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20003/00]

Denis Naughten

Question:

401 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the reason a health and safety inspecting officer has not inspected his departmental building at Circular Road, Roscommon, in view of the fact this has been requested under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 1989; when such an inspection will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20004/00]

Denis Naughten

Question:

402 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the plans he has to provide additional space at his Department's offices at Circular Road, Roscommon, to accommodate the additional computers which will be installed before the end of the year in view of the fact there is inadequate space to handle paperwork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20005/00]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 398 to 402, inclusive, together.

Following discussions with my Department the Office of Public Works agreed last year, and are actively working on, the provision of new accommodation for my Department's staff in Roscommon town.

I am not aware that the departmental office at Circular Road, Roscommon, presents a serious fire hazard. However, I have asked local management to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to guarantee the safety of our staff including a review of fire evacuation procedures and fire equipment. The matter raised in relation to an inspection by a health and safety inspecting officer should be taken up with the Health and Safety Authority.

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