Vol. 525 No. 1
94 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development when the most recent review of fire evacuation procedures took place at his departmental offices at Circular Road, Roscommon; the last time all fire equipment was checked on these premises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23775/00]
95 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he has satisfied himself that his departmental offices at Circular Road, Roscommon meet all requirements as outlined in the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 1989; the plans, he has to improve the standard of this accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23776/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 94 and 95 together.
A safety statement, as required by section 12 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 1989, was put in place in December 1992 for the Roscommon office. A review of the statement began in April 1999 and is due to be completed by the end of the year. The safety statement charges managers with the responsibility of taking steps to ensure that staff are familiar with means of escape in the case of fire or other emergency evacuation. A new fire alarm is being installed at the Roscommon office and the Office of Public Works has been asked to examine all fire equipment and replace it if necessary.
I am anxious that my staff be provided with accommodation of the highest possible standard. For this reason and following a request by my Department, the Office of Public Works has acquired a site at the Convent of Mercy, Roscommon town for the erection of new offices for my staff currently located at Circular Road.
