Vol. 446 No. 5
111 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Environment the most common cause of house fires in Ireland; the period in the year where there is a noticeable increase in house fires; the additional measures, if any, which can be taken to reduce this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2463/94]
The information available indicates that chimney fires are the most common fires in domestic premises and the incidence tends to be higher in the winter period. A number of positive steps are being taken to reduce the incidence of house fires. This week is National Fire Prevention Week which I formally launched on behalf of the National Safety Council some days ago. The week's theme is "Fire Alert — Planning for the Family" and a very extensive programme of events has been arranged to keep the message of fire safety in the home before the public. Activities include intensive radio and publicity campaigns, open days at fire stations, distribution of leaflets and posters to local communities, local radio and press promotions, and lectures in schools by local fire brigades.
Public emphasis is also being laid on the tremendous aid which smoke alarms are to fire safety in the home. Last year's project by the National Safety Council to instal 1,000 alarms in the homes of elderly people living alone in Dublin is being extended this year to the cities of Cork, Limerick and Galway, and being continued in Dublin; in all, the homes of 4,000 elderly people and people who are physically handicapped will be covered. I am glad to have been able to assist in the extension of the scheme by providing a special grant of £20,000 for it this year. As part of the current year's "Reach Out — Be a Good Neighbour" campaign, which is concerned with improving the safety and well-being of old and vulnerable people living alone, a further 500 smoke alarms are being installed.
