asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defensive Measures if he is aware that the fire-watching and fire-fighting regulations have been considerably relaxed in Great Britain; and, if so, if he is satisfied that the time has arrived for easing the regulations under Emergency Powers (Fire Prevention) Order, 1943.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fire Watching and Fighting Regulations.
I understand that the compulsory whole-time employment of day and night fire guards has been suspended in some parts of Great Britain. No such scheme was considered necessary here and was never in operation.
I am satisfied that the Emergency Powers (Fire Prevention) Order, 1943, which provides, in so far as business premises are concerned, for the training of persons in fire-fighting and the provision of equipment and facilities, should not be suspended at present.
Is the Minister aware of the widespread dissatisfaction with this Order which exists at present in the City of Dublin? In view of that widespread dissatisfaction, would he consider enlightening the public somewhat as to his reasons for continuing this Order, as I am afraid that some people consider, perhaps erroneously, that the time has come when the regulations could be eased?
Under the Dublin Corporation, there is an officer who has addressed all the owners of the various premises in each of the city blocks and who has explained the whole matter to them personally. So far as I know, the vast majority have agreed to and have carried out the requirements of the Order, that is, in the matter of the provision of fire appliances, of access to roofs and of the training of some members of their staffs in fire fighting. The vast majority of the business people of Dublin realised not only the importance of this work as an emergency measure but its value in the future when the war is over. In addition to the addresses given by the fire prevention officer in the city under the A.R.P. scheme, we had a very valuable address by the Dublin Fire Chief, who pointed out that the destruction caused by fires in Dublin was greatly reduced by the fire training given. I think the Deputy is wrong in saying that there is any widespread objection to this Order. The majority of the businessmen who realise that somebody has to pay for fires and that the more fires we have the higher the premiums, are not only satisfied to operate the Order as an emergency measure, but are hoping that some scheme under civil direction will be in operation when the war is over.
I do not for a moment want to be taken as being against the fire block system. It is very excellent, but what I want to bring to the Minister's notice is that in spite of the number of business people who consider that this is money well spent there are very many others in the City of Dublin who are paying the comparatively small amount they are asked to pay very grudgingly and that the unfortunate voluntary workers who have to go around to the various offices get a great deal of abuse. If the matter could be ventilated to a greater extent, I think it would be to the benefit of all concerned.