I propose to take Questions Nos. 276 and 277 together.
Statutory responsibility for safety is assigned to the 'person having control' of a building who is required to take reasonable measures to guard against the outbreak of fire and to ensure the safety of persons in the event of fire, this would include safeguarding against overcrowding and ensuring that all necessary fire prevention measures are in place.
The provision of a fire service in its functional area and the assessment of fire cover needs having regard to the nature of the fire hazards and the probable incidence and extent of fires in its area is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under Section 10 of the Fire Services Act 1981.
In terms of fire services inspections, under the 1981 Act local authority fire services can inspect a premises as part of the granting or renewal of a license and may enter a premises in the investigation of a complaint or as part of a routine announced inspection. Inspections and investigations are part of the functions of each fire service and my Department does not collect or collate the detailed information requested. All such data should be available from the relevant fire services.
Questions regarding the Health and Safety Authority are more appropriately addressed to my colleague the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation.