Vol. 455 No. 8
326 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that upholstery fabrics which are not fire-retardant are being sold in retailing stores; the way in which his Department proposes to deal with the problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12719/95]
The Industrial Research and Standards (Fire Safety) (Domestic Furniture) Order, 1988 — which is enforced by the Director of Consumer Affairs — prohibits the manufacture, assembly or sale of upholstered domestic furniture unless it passes tests relating to flame and smoulder resistance and is labelled accordingly.
Replacement covers and fabric intended for use in domestic furniture must also pass the match test and be labelled accordingly. However, the latter requirements do not apply in the case of a cover or fabric which contains 75 per cent by weight of cotton, flax, viscose, modal, silk or wool, not coated with polyurethane or a polyurethane preparation, provided the furniture (or second-hand furniture) concerned has an interliner between it and the permanent cover that passes the ignition test. I am aware of concerns expressed about the complexity of the Order and difficulties in its enforcement. These are being addressed in an amending Order which I shall be making very shortly.
The difficulties experienced in fully enforcing the 1988 Order in relation to upholstery fabric have arisen from the fact that such fabric is not covered by the Order if it is for use other than for the covering of domestic furniture. The intentions of both the retailer and purchaser must be ascertained at point of sale and evidence is difficult to obtain in respect of infringements for use in court proceedings. However, inspectors from the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs recently visited a substantial number of upholstery fabric wholesalers and retailers informing them of their responsibilities under the furniture safety Order. I have asked the Director to continue these visits with a view to ensuring that the wholesalers and retailers comply fully with the Order.
