Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 406: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will respond to correspondence regarding fire protection (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9426/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The national Building Regulations set out the legal requirements for the design and construction of new buildings, including houses, extensions and material alterations and certain changes of use of existing buildings. The related Technical Guidance Documents provide technical guidance on how to comply with the Regulations. Part B (Fire Safety)/Technical Guidance Document B sets out the requirements in relation to fire protection as referenced in the correspondence in question.

Compliance with the Regulations is the responsibility of the owner or builder of a building. The resolution of problems arising between building owners and builders is a matter for the parties concerned, namely the building owner, the relevant developer and the builder's insurers. Where the construction of a building is the subject of a contract between a client and the builder, enforcement is a civil matter.

Enforcement of the Regulations is the responsibility of the 37 local building control authorities who are empowered to carry out inspections and initiate enforcement proceedings, where considered necessary. Local Authorities also carry out statutory functions as fire authorities under the Fire Services Act 1981.

The correspondence in question is a matter for the relevant local authorities who I understand will deal with the matter as appropriate in line with the standard arrangements in place for the discharge of their statutory functions.