Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 443: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the action he will take to address fire safety concerns in apartment complexes which are controlled by unregulated management companies; his views on recent inspections which have shown many apartment complexes containing no fire fighting equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4244/09]

Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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Preparation of legislation in regard to management companies for apartment complexes is a matter in the first instance for the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

Section 22 of the Fire Services Act 1981 empowers fire authorities to inspect any land or building, including apartment complexes, for the purpose of the Act. Under the Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003, fire authorities can pursue enforcement of fire safety matters, including the management of fire safety.

In addition, Section 18 of the Fire Services Act 1981 places a duty on persons having control over premises, such as apartment complexes, to take all reasonable measures to guard against the outbreak of fire and to ensure the safety of persons on the premises in the event of an outbreak of fire. I have no role in the day to day exercise of these functions.