Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 February 2024
592. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the fire safety procedures and policies by which university-owned student accommodation must abide; if this incudes fire extinguishers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5559/24]
View answerThe Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has produced guidance documents on fire safety to assist persons in charge of premises to discharge their duties under the Fire Services Act, 1981. These can be found at: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/a19b0-responsibility-and-guidance-documents/#.
In addition, the design and construction of any new buildings, extensions or any other works to buildings must be carried out in compliance with the Building Regulations. Part B deals with Fire Safety S.I. No. 115/2006 - Building Regulations (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (irishstatutebook.ie)Building regulations and the Fire Services Act are under the remit of Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O'Brien T.D. Universities as autonomous bodies are responsible for the day to day operations of its campuses including health and safety procedures. Any queries in the first instance should be directed to the University.
