Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

86. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if her attention has been drawn to the concerns regarding Ireland's furniture fire safety regulations; the actions which her Department has taken in this regard since concerns were raised two years ago; the arrangements for monitoring compliance with these regulations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34670/17]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Department is fully aware of the issues that surround the existing Irish furniture fire safety regulations and is also conscious of the need to ensure that if replacement regulations are to be introduced, they must be effective and evidence-based, bearing in mind the tension between short term (in relation to flame retardant chemicals providing time to escape a fire and the impact on fire crews’ operations) and possible long term health considerations.

In the area of furniture fire safety, there are no harmonised EU standards. The Irish standards and regulations were introduced to protect consumers by preventing the rapid spread of a fire started on or near furniture. These mirrored regulations and standards  introduced in the UK, which is particularly relevant given the cross-border trade in furniture on the island of Ireland and the presence of furniture manufacturers along the border area. The introduction of these regulations was fully supported by the emergency services.

The UK has undertaken two consultations (in 2014 and 2016) on the suitability of the UK regulations but has yet to amend its regulations. The inquiry into the recent Grenfell Towers disaster, and the role of flame retardants, may influence the UK approach on this issue. In view of the similarity of the regulations in both jurisdictions, my Department has liaised very closely with the relevant department in the UK and continues to monitor the situation to keep abreast of developments in that jurisdiction. My Department also liaises, both formally and informally, with other stakeholders in Ireland on the issue.

Having similar regulations in place on both sides of the border gives consumers clarity and certainty that uniform safety standards apply, while manufacturers have certainty that their products can be sold in both jurisdictions without going to the added expense of manufacturing furniture according to different standards and legislation. Any change in existing regulations, or replacement thereof, will have to provide a robust level of safety when it comes to furniture going on fire. Thus, if and when the UK introduces new regulations, it will be determined whether they could influence the revision of the Irish Regulations.

More generally, in relation to product safety, the obligation to comply with the Regulations and the standard lies with the manufacturer. A furniture manufacturer must only place safe products on the market and compliance with the Irish standard is deemed to comply with that requirement. When it comes to investigating compliance with the Irish furniture fire Regulations, I understand that the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) takes a risk-based analysis approach. Section 9 (5) of the Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2014 provides that the CCPC is independent in the performance of its functions. I, as Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, have no direct function in such matters.