Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 September 2020
101. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans on ensuring appropriate ventilation in nursing homes, pubs and schools; if guidance will be provided for inspections and regulations on ventilation standards such as the use of CO2 monitors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24512/20]
View answerI understand that the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 sets out the main provisions in relation to the safety health and welfare of people at work. This legislation is under the remit of my colleague the Minister of Business, Enterprise and Innovation and is overseen by the Health and Safety Authority. In addition, the Department of Health has a role in inspections and regulations for healthcare buildings.
While the building regulations are within my remit, they apply to the design and construction of a new buildings (including a dwelling), the extension or material alteration to an existing building and certain building regulations apply to buildings undergoing a material change of use. Building regulations do not apply to the management, operation or maintenance of existing buildings or indeed ventilation systems.
The building regulations set out minimum performance requirements in 12 parts (classified as Parts A to M). Part F of the Building Regulations provides for adequate and effective ventilation in buildings by limiting the moisture content of the air within the building so that it does not contribute to condensation and mould growth, and by limiting the concentration of harmful pollutants in the air within the building. The associated Technical Guidance Document F provides guidance on how to achieve these requirements. Part F & TGD F were revised in 2019 and there are no plans for a further revision at this point.
