Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)

I thank Deputy Terence Flanagan for raising this matter. He gave us a timely reminder, as winter approaches, of the need to increase vigilance of fire safety and prevention.

The provision of a fire service, including giving advice regarding fire safety, is a matter in the first instance for fire authorities under the Fire Services Act 1981. My Department's role is one of supporting and assisting fire authorities in delivering fire services through the provision of funding under the fire service capital programme and by setting general policy. My Department has issued guidance to fire authorities and property owners and occupiers with a view to reducing fire risks in apartments and hostels. The relevant publications are A Guide to Fire Safety in Flats, Bedsitters and Apartments and Fire Safety in Hostels — A Guide to Fire Safety in Existing Hostels. In this regard, the 1981 Act provides that it is the duty of every person on a premises to conduct him or herself in such a way as to ensure that, as far as is reasonably practical, no person on the premises is exposed to danger from fire as a consequence of his or her actions.

Under the Fire Services Acts, fire authorities can pursue enforcement of fire safety matters, including the management of fire safety. Fire authorities can serve fire safety notices requiring certain works to be carried out and they also have the ultimate sanction of closing premises. They are conscious of their functions under the Fire Services Acts. While they do not require a specific instruction from the Minister in this matter, I agree it is necessary to maintain a constant focus on fire prevention. Deputies may be aware of the annual fire safety week which was organised by my Department last month. Television and other media campaigns will continue until the end of the year. I am sure they also noticed in the media a highly visible campaign entitled "Smoke Kills". It is critical to get the fire safety message across to the most vulnerable groups. Unfortunately, on average 46 people die in Ireland each year from fire. House fires account for the vast majority of fire fatalities. In most of these incidents, a basic level of fire safety education and awareness may have prevented the fire or limited the consequences.

I suggest that the community might assist elderly relatives or neighbours by visiting them regularly to help them carry out a very simple fire safety check on their homes. Overloaded sockets, candles burning unattended, smoking in bed or smoking while taking medication are potential hazards to watch out for. Other potential hazards include faulty electric blankets, frayed electrical leads and clothes or combustible materials kept too close to a fire or heater. If carried out on a regular basis, such checks will help prevent the devastation caused to people and property by fire.

It is important to get the correct balance between enforcement, engineering and education in tackling the danger posed by fire and I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. I know the House will join me in recognising the commitment of members of the fire service throughout the country. I commend the service, in particular, on its professional approach in dealing with the challenges posed by increased activity over the recent Hallowe'en period.

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