asked the Minister for the Environment the number of fire safety notices served under the Fire Services Act, 1981, and the number of applications made to the High Court for orders restraining the use of buildings which are considered to be fire hazards since the Act came into operation; if it is intended to act on the recommendation of the Stardust Tribunal that the Fire Services Act, 1981, should be amended to give the District Court power to order the closure of premises; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Fire Services Act.
38.
Based on returns submitted to my Department by fire authorities, a total of 373 fire safety notices were served under the Fire Services Act, 1981, in the period 1 January 1982 to 31 December 1984 (the latest date for which statistics are available). In the same period three applications were made to the High Court for orders prohibiting the use of particular buildings. I do not consider that a change is necessary in the legal provisions of the Fire Services Act, 1981, in this respect but I will keep the matter under review in the light of experience of the operation of the Act.