Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As I said, this area is being reviewed by the Minister who took action immediately. He requested all local authorities to review their multistorey social housing units to ensure all early warning systems, including alarm and detection systems; emergency lighting; means of escape - a big issue in the Grenfell Tower fire; and corridors, stairways and emergency exits, were in place and fully functional. I agree with the Deputy that safety must be our first concern. A meeting of the management board of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management also took place. It was convened by the Minister on Tuesday, 20 June, to assess the readiness of fire authorities to respond to emergencies.

On raising awareness among landlords, including landlords of households in receipt of social housing supports and rental assistance payments, the Minister asked the Residential Tenancies Board to notify all landlords immediately of their responsibilities and obligations to ensure their properties were fully compliant. A business control management system alert was issued to all registered users to remind those involved in works in existing or new buildings of the need to remain vigilant to ensure their compliance.

The Deputy has raised very relevant issues, as I said, not just in the United Kingdom and Ireland. I am sure that what happened in Grenfell Tower will prompt a re-evaluation internationally of the approach to fire safety, particularly in high rise buildings. Ireland should and will be no different. If what the Deputy says is true, if some people are concerned about specific issues, I hope they will bring them to the attention of the Minister immediately in order that they can form part of the review and the response to ensure extra measures will be taken, if necessary.

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