8 November 2006

Environment

Investigating Serious Fires

Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the procedures followed to investigate serious fires in the State; if the results of such investigations are made public; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. Roche):
The primary role of the local authority fire service in the event of a fire is to rescue people, save property and extinguish the fire. Fire brigades routinely prepare internal operational reports on fire incidents attended and these reports may include opinions as to the possible causes of the fires. However, fire authorities do not carry out formal investigations into the causes of fires.

The Garda Síochána carry out investigations to assist the Coroner’s Office in all cases where fatalities occur from fire. The Garda Síochána also investigate fires where a crime is suspected. Investigations may also be carried out by the Health and Safety Authority and, in certain circumstances, such as the Whiddy Island and Stardust fires, tribunals of inquiry have been established to investigate the fires. While the findings of tribunals would normally be made public, whether the outcomes of other investigations would be made public will depend on the individual circumstances of each case.