Noel Ahern
Question:114 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the standards allowed for alarms which cause severe problems in residential areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29097/01]
Written Answers. - Intruder Alarm Systems.
I understand from the National Standards Authority of Ireland that the applicable standard for intruder alarm systems in Ireland is I.S. 199:1987. This standard specifies that the sound level of audible alarms shall be subject to agreement between the subscriber and the installer, but that the sound level shall not be less than 70 dBA when measured at a distance of three metres. This standard also specifies that an audible alarm shall have a minimum duration of 15 minutes and a maximum duration of 30 minutes, and the alarm is required to cease automatically after the maximum duration.
I also understand from the NSAI that I.S. 199 will, in time, be replaced by the European standard EN 50131 which is a multi-part standard. The first part of EN 50131, which covers general requirements, has been published and adopted as Irish standard, I.S. EN 50131-1:1997, and provides an alternative to which the industry is moving. In this respect, the philosophy has been influenced by practice in several continental European countries where more powerful alarms operate for a shorter maximum period. The audible output of the alarm is the subject of another part of the standard which is still in draft form, but is expected to entail a minimum output somewhat greater than that of I.S. 199. However, I.S. 199 will not be replaced until after all parts of EN 50131 have been adopted.
It should be noted that the standards are voluntary instruments, except for monitored installations, where the Garda Síochána requires certification before a unique reference number is issued. It is estimated that a significant proportion of alarm installations are not certified or even compliant with the standard, and that these continue to be installed for standalone bell only systems, that is, alarms not connected to a monitoring centre.
However, I understand that the NSAI certification scheme has been instrumental in encouraging installers to seek registration and in ensuring they comply with the standards. The NSAI certification scheme, coupled with the availability of improved equipment, is tending to reduce the number of systems being installed which do not meet the criteria in the standards for maximum duration of audible alarms. I also acknowledge the support of the relevant industry associations, the insurance industry and the Garda which has been vital in promoting the certification scheme.