asked the Minister for Justice whether in view of the fact (1) that the existing law dealing with precaution against the outbreak of fires in cinemas and the egress of patrons, operators and other employees of cinemas is inadequate, and (2) that on September 16th, 1929, a fire took place in the Grand Central Cinema, Dublin, in which the film in the projection machine was totally destroyed, he will introduce proposals for legislation dealing with these matters and empowering the Gárda authorities to inspect cinemas to insure that the provisions of such legislation and any regulations made thereunder are complied with.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fires in Cinemas.
I am unable to accept the Deputy's statement that it is a fact that the existing law dealing with precaution against the outbreak of fires in cinemas is inadequate. The Cinematograph Act, 1909, and the regulations made thereunder have worked satisfactorily. The fire mentioned by the Deputy as having taken place in the Grand Central Cinema, Dublin, on the 16th September, 1929, cannot have been of a serious nature, as the outbreak was not brought to the notice of the Gárda Síochána. I have no evidence that there is any necessity for further legislation regarding this matter.
Is the Minister satisfied that it was only because of the fact that the fire was not of a serious nature that it was not reported to the Gárda Síochána? I have reliable information to the effect that the fire was of a very serious nature and that certain influences were used to prevent a prosecution, and the consequent publicity.
No notice of that fire ever reached the Gárda Síochána, and the Gárda Síochána are not influenced by any external considerations, such as the Deputy suggests, in the discharge of their duties.