asked the Minister for the Environment whether buildings under the control of public authorities will have to comply with the building regulations applying to new buildings and with regulations made under section 37 of the Fire Services Act, 1981; and if he will make a statement on the question of fire safety in public buildings.
Written Answers. - Building Regulations.
639.
Building regulations will apply to all new buildings and all alterations, extensions to, and certain material changes of use of, existing buildings, including buildings under the control of public authorities.
The Fire Services Act, 1981, is not expressed to bind the State in respect of State property and, therefore, any regulations made under section 37 will not apply to State property. However, all other public bodies (e.g. semi-State companies, local authorities and health boards) are bound by the provisions of the Act and regulations under section 37 will apply to their premises, as appropriate.
I am informed by the Office of Public Works that the general obligation to ensure the safety of staff in State premises is formally entrusted to the occupying Department or office. Repeated detailed instructions have been issued to all Departments and officers as to how this responsibility should be discharged. The instructions which prescribe a daily check on premises, require, inter alia, the carrying out of periodic evacuation drills and the regular review of evacuation procedures.
I also understand that all buildings erected by the Office of Public Works are designed to a high standard of fire prevention and protection. These standards are borne in mind also when accommodation is rented.