Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

I thank the Deputy for raising this matter. I am responding on behalf of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Roche. I would like to place on record my gratitude and that of the Government to the members of the fire service for their work last night and for continuing to safeguard the community on a daily basis. I also extend my sympathies to those caught up in the fire and wish them well in their recovery.

I understand that last night's fire occurred in private rented accommodation which was formerly a hostel. The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government issued guidance, addressed to local authorities and to property owners and occupiers alike, with a view to reducing fire risk in apartments and hostels. In 1994 the Department published Guide to Fire Safety in Flats, Bedsitters and Apartments. In 1998 the Department published Fire Safety in Hostels.

Dublin City Council homeless services and the homeless persons unit, which is operated on a 24-hour basis by Health Service Executive community welfare officers on an agency basis for the city council, are available at all times to assist persons who may face a crisis regarding their housing accommodation.

With regard to the present case, the Homeless Agency in Dublin has advised the Department that the landlord has 24 additional apartments in the area, which will be used to accommodate residents. The community welfare officer in the North Strand and Dublin City Council have organised 14 beds in private bed and breakfast accommodation in Fairview and an additional 12 beds in a nearby hotel. Interpreters have also been organised to work with the residents to ensure that they are supported and that they understand the situation.

I again thank the frontline services for their speedy and effective response to last night's incident, which minimised more serious consequences to the victims. A more comprehensive response is now being provided by the housing and other social agencies.

See this speech in context