Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 15 Mar 1995

Vol. 450 No. 7

Written Answers. - Furniture Labelling Regulations.

Helen Keogh

Ceist:

8 Ms Keogh asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment his views on the concerns expressed by the Consumers' Association on the clear breaches of furniture labelling regulations by retailers and their impact on fire hazards, safety in the home and insurance premiums, as documented in a recent Consumer Choice magazine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5626/95]

Minister for Enterprise and Employment (Mr. R. Bruton)

I am aware of the concerns expressed in the article in a recent issue of Consumer Choice magazine alleging widespread non-compliance with the requirements including labelling requirements for furniture set down in the Industrial Research and Standard (Fire Safety) (Domestic Furniture) Order, 1988.

The 1988 order was devised to ensure that domestic furniture is designed, manufactured and constructed to a particular standard so as not to endanger persons or property. Under the order only materials which meet strict fire safety requirements are permitted in domestic furniture both new and secondhand. In addition, furniture is required to bear both display (which may be detachable) and permanent labels detailing certain safety and manufacturing data. The enforcement of the order is the responsibility of the Director of Consumer Affairs and is achieved, generally, by following up complaints of non-compliance — particularly with the labelling provisions. A number of successful prosecutions have been brought by the Director.

While every effort is made to implement the order effectively I would wish to assure the Deputy that breaches of the furniture labelling requirements may not, in themselves, have the negative implications indicated in the Consumer Choice article. This is so because, since 1988, the manufacture of flammable foam — the main fire hazard in relation to domestic furniture — has ceased in this country and replaced by foams having the fire-retardant properties required by the order. I am not aware of any benefits relating to insurance premiums which might be available in respect of the use or otherwise of furniture complying with the 1988 order.