Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In many cases, including in this case, the taxpayer is at the end of the line and is left to sort out these matters. Deputy McDonald is absolving from all responsibility the Dublin Docklands Development Authority, the receiver to the developer, Dublin Fire Brigade and the management company. In her view, these parties do not have any responsibility in this matter.

As I indicated, the Minister met various people in the past hour. Far from washing our hands of this matter, as Deputy McDonald suggests, the Minister has acted to support the interests of owners and residents of developments about which concerns arise or allegations of non-compliance in respect of fire safety regulations are made.

The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Alan Kelly, has recently announced an independent fire safety expert report to develop a framework for general application where such allegations are made. The review, which will include a case study based on the Millfield Manor estate in Newbridge, County Kildare, and will conclude at an early date - by the end of January 2016 - will ensure appropriate or enhanced fire detection and alarm measures, some of which have been installed at Longboat Quay, ensure that appropriate escape routes from the premises are designed in accordance with current standards, which may not apply at Longboat Quay, and ensure that there are plans for proper evacuation and that such plans are rehearsed, as would normally apply.

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