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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 5 Jul 2001

Vol. 540 No. 3

Written Answers. - National Monuments.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

250 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there is no emergency fire drill procedure in operation in Kilkenny Castle, Reginald's Tower, The Rock of Cashel and Tintern Abbey; whether this situation applies in respect of most of our major national monuments; if so, her view on this situation; if she will ensure and confirm that the situation is rectified immediately; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20642/01]

I consider health and safety issues to be of paramount importance for both staff and visitors to the sites which are in the care of my Department. Fire safety equipment at all sites is inspected and maintained regularly and the staff are trained in its use. The health and safety adviser of my Department is currently reviewing health and safety procedures generally and I will ensure that recommendations made on foot of this are acted upon. Pilot fire and emergency plans, which will serve as models for other sites, have been drawn up for a number of locations and these are in the process of being assessed. Kilkenny Castle already has such a plan in operation.

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