John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As a result of the fact that he is taking parliamentary questions in the Dáil, the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Deputy Eoghan Murphy, cannot be here. I am taking this matter on his behalf.

On 27 June 2017, in response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy and in recognition of fears expressed in the context of fire safety, the Minister tasked his Department's national directorate for fire and emergency management with co-ordinating a high-level task force to lead a reappraisal of fire safety in Ireland. The task force was requested to oversee and report on a number of initial steps, and to urgently consider any potential life safety issues and appropriate responses. The work of the task force involves reviewing and reappraising existing arrangements and systems for fire safety and related issues which impact on fire safety in Ireland. The task force held its first meeting on 12 July and has met seven times since, most recently on 21 November. Drafting of an interim report continues, with a view to it being submitted to the Minister in early January. A further report setting out additional proposals for the Minister's consideration is proposed later next year.

As mentioned, in addition to establishing the task force, the Minister requested that a number of immediate initial actions be taken. Local authorities were asked to review their multi-storey social housing buildings to ensure that all early-warning systems, including fire alarm and detection systems, emergency lighting and means of escape are in place and fully functional. They were asked to revert to the Department with an assessment of current compliance with these lifesaving measures, as well as time-bound plans to address any issues identified. I understand that the Department has received responses from all local authorities, which have been working to address a small number of cases where issues were identified.

The fire authorities were also asked to identify buildings of more than six storeys or over 18 m in height that are fitted with external cladding systems. Where such buildings were identified, fire authorities were requested to consider using their powers to require the persons having control over the premises to carry out fire safety assessments. Specifically with regard to cladding on buildings, the task force set up a subgroup to consider fire safety issues arising from cladding systems, and to prepare guidance on the fire safety assessments required by fire authorities to assist building owners, their professional advisers and the fire services. The subgroup held its first meeting on 3 October and has met on four occasions since. On foot of this work, the preparation of the guidance is at an advanced stage. It is expected that this will be issued shortly. The Senator raised the question of whether building users should stay or go. That issue will most probably be dealt with in the guidance. I will inquire as to whether it has been included.

As already indicated, the task force expects to be in a position to submit an interim report to the Minister in January. It will then move on to the following phase of its work, with a view to completing a further report for the Minister's consideration later next year. Needless to say, in carrying out its work, the task force is taking into account information and developments arising in the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower tragedy. The Senator and the House can rest assured that the task force's work will continue to be accorded the highest priority by both the Minister and the Department's national directorate for fire and emergency management.