Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 343: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will make a statement on safety measures at rock concerts. [29800/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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A code of practice for safety at indoor concerts was published by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in 1998, providing advice and guidance on the safe organisation and running of indoor concerts. The aim of the code is to help those involved in the organisation of indoor concerts to plan and manage such events safely.

Under the Fire Services Act 1981, as amended, the person having control over a premises is obliged to take all reasonable measures to guard against the outbreak of fire on such premises and to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the safety of persons on the premises in the event of an outbreak of fire. The Fire Safety in Places of Assembly (Ease of Escape) Regulations 1985 require persons in control of premises to ensure all escape routes to a place of safety are kept unobstructed and immediately available for use.

The Licensing of Indoor Events Act 2003 made provision for a new licensing system to be operated by fire authorities for certain large scale indoor events. Discussions with interested parties on the proposed licensing system are at an advanced stage. The 2003 Act also amended and updated the enforcement provisions of the Fire Services Act 1981, making it simpler for fire authorities to prosecute offences and strengthening substantially the inspection and advisory powers of fire authority inspectors.

The 1981 Act, as amended, gives statutory backing to existing codes of practice on fire and crowd safety. Under section 20A an authorised fire authority inspector may, in addition to inspection and advisory powers, serve a closure notice with immediate effect where a premises poses a serious or immediate risk to the safety of persons on or in the premises. Inspections, including during performance inspections, of places of public resort are undertaken by fire authority inspectors under the Fire Services Act.

The measures outlined are in addition to the powers of the Garda Síochána and other public authorities under other legislative codes.