Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South West, Fianna Fail)
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190. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an update on the review that was set up in response to the Irish regulations surrounding fire retardancy on furniture goods sold in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7217/24]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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In the area of furniture fire safety, there are no harmonised EU standards. The Irish standard (I.S. 419:2011) and regulations (SI No. 316/1995) set the level of fire resistance for domestic upholstered furniture, furnishings and other products containing upholstery in the interest of fire safety, collectively known as the Irish Furniture Fire Regulations.

The Department commenced a review of the Furniture Fire Regulations by undertaking a public consultation on the current regulations in 2019, which was subsequently extended to April 2020. The Irish Furniture Fire Regulations have been on the statute book for over 25 years and developments, such as changes in consumer expectations, furniture manufacturing practises in the intervening years merited the review of the existing regulations.

Due to competing priorities, progress on the assessment of submissions was delayed, however analysis of the submissions has resumed at pace. My officials have recently met with industry, other countries and are continuing to engage with relevant stakeholders in light of the changing regulatory landscape. I hope to have recommendations on this matter later in the year.