Vol. 563 No. 1
538 Mr. O'Connor asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he is stressing to the appropriate authorities, the need to maintain vigilance in respect of fire safety at nightclubs and other places of entertainment; if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of many on this subject arising from serious fires abroad in recent times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7226/03]
The operation of fire safety in Ireland is governed by the Fire Services Act 1981 and regulations made under that Act, in addition to the fire safety certification requirements of the building regulations made under the Building Control Act 1990. Fire safety in night clubs and other places of entertainment is the responsibility in the first instance of those who organise and promote such events and those who own or occupy the premises in which the events are held. Detailed guidance is provided to such persons in the code of practice on the management of fire safety in places of assembly and in the code of practice for safety at indoor concerts, published by my Department.
Enforcement of the provisions of the Fire Services Act 1981 is a matter for fire authorities, who maintain a high level of vigilance in respect of fire safety in places of entertainment. For example, fire prevention statistics compiled by my Department indicate that about 6,000 inspections of premises are undertaken annually by fire authority inspectors under section 24 of the Fire Services Act, relating to applications for liquor, dance and club licenses. In addition, senior fire officers throughout the country are provided with up to date training on fire safety issues, including experience of serious fires abroad, through courses organised by the Fire Services Council.
