Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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1697. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the terms of reference for the fire safety review that he ordered after the devastating fire at Grenfell Tower; if he will widen the remit of this review to include compliance with Part B (Fire Safety) of the Building Regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36489/17]

Eoghan Murphy (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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On 27 June 2017, I tasked the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management with convening a high-level Task Force to lead Ireland’s re-appraisal of fire safety in the wake of the devastating Grenfell Tower fire in London.

As a first stage, the Task Force is overseeing the initial actions in respect of potential life safety issues already identified in Ireland and is scheduled to report to me on these aspects by the end of September 2017.

In parallel with this initial work, the Task Force will begin to review and re-appraise existing arrangements and systems for fire safety including Part B of the Building Regulations and related issues which impact on fire safety in Ireland.

The draft terms of reference for the Task Force, which reflect the above two areas of work set out above, are currently being considered in the context of the issues identified and selection of priority areas of work. I expect  the Task Force to confirm the terms of reference at its next meeting on 26 July 2017 and that its principal focus will be on protecting life from the dangers of fire in both dwellings and other kinds of buildings.

It should be noted that work on reviewing Technical Guidance Document B – Fire Safety (TGD B) of the Building Regulations, is ongoing also.

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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1698. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the action he will take to address the serious problem of structural fire safety defects in a number of timberframe estates here; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a number of fires in timberframe estates have spread rapidly posing a serious risk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36490/17]

Eoghan Murphy (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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In July 2015, the then Minister directed that a review be undertaken by an independent fire expert to develop a framework for general application, in the interest of supporting owners and residents living in developments where concerns regarding non-compliance with fire safety requirements arise.  A Steering Group was convened to oversee the review.

The terms of reference of the Steering Group included the following: -

- Have regard to the typical risk profile faced by residents, their visitors and fire service personnel in and about apartment developments and housing estates;

- Take account of normal hazards and relevant safety management arrangements as well as typical passive and active safety features;

- Outline general advice and guidance which can be used by owners/residents and their professional advisers, to ensure that an adequate level of safety is in place for persons in and about their development. 

This may include making provision for -

- appropriate or enhanced fire detection and alarm measures;

- checking that appropriate escape routes from the premises are available, designed in accordance with current standards;

- ensuring evacuation plans are rehearsed in each premises in the event of a fire incident.

The independent fire safety expert has completed his review and a report on the matter has been received by my Department from the Steering Group. Legal clarification was required in relation to a number of issues and I intend to make arrangements for the publication of the framework as soon as these have been resolved.

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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1699. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will ensure that a structural fire safety audit of social housing stock is carried out to ensure compliance with Part B (Fire Safety) of the Building Regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36491/17]

Eoghan Murphy (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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In response to the tragic fire in Grenfell Tower, I requested that each local authority, as a matter of urgency, review their multi-storey social housing units to ensure that they are meeting their statutory obligations in regards to Fire Safety with the emphasis on life safety and that all early warning systems, including alarm and detection systems and means of escape including corridors, stairways and emergency exits are in place, fully functional and  that each authority report back to my Department by 19 July 2017.  Reports have been received and will be analysed and included in any conclusions/ recommendations by the high-level Task Force which, on 27 June 2017, I tasked my Department’s National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management with coordinating, in order to lead Ireland’s re-appraisal of fire safety in the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire.

The Task Force will oversee and report on the initial steps already taken and look to urgently identify and consider potential life safety issues and initiate appropriate remedial action where necessary. Following this initial work, the Task Force will review and re-appraise existing arrangements and systems for Fire Safety and related issues which impact on fire safety in Ireland. The Task Force will prepare an interim report by the end of September 2017.

I have also directed  that Fire Authorities carry out a preliminary survey to identify residential buildings, including social housing, of more than six storeys or more than 18m in height fitted with external cladding or rain screen systems, with or without insulation, and to consider whether use of the power to require a fire safety assessment is warranted, in respect of identified buildings. The results of the survey are to be reported to my Department by 19 July 2017, and a similar survey on non-residential buildings of more than six storeys, or more than 18m in height, is to be reported to my Department by 2 August 2017. The contents of both of these surveys will also be analysed and will inform the conclusions and recommendations to be presented by the Task Force.