Vol. 536 No. 4
181 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will change the regulation concerning fire safety compliance and the responsibility of developers in view of the experience of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14466/01]
The building regulations provide for the issue of a fire safety certificate confirming that a building, if constructed in accordance with drawings lodged with the local building control authority, will comply with part B, fire safety, of the regulations. It is easier to address any deficiencies at the design stage than when the building is fully constructed. It is for the designers, builders, and owners, or potential owners, and their professional advisers, to ensure that the building, as constructed, complies with the fire safety certificate.
There is random checking by local authorities of buildings for compliance with the building code. I have asked local authorities to ensure that a sample of 12%-15% of all developments are inspected. Almost three-quarters of authorities are now carrying out the target level of inspections and I have made it clear that I expect the remaining authorities to reach the target by the end of June 2001. I have no plans to change the fire safety certificate system.
