asked the Minister for the Environment the improvements which are proposed concerning the available inspectorate attached to local authorities in relation to examinations of factories, with a view to the issuing of certificates under section 45 of the Factories Act, 1955.

It is primarily a matter for local authorities to consider and decide on the staffing provision to be made for performance of their fire prevention functions, including functions under section 45 of the Factories Act, 1955. Any relevant staffing proposals submitted to my Department are considered on their merits.

The capacity of local authorities to carry out such work is among the aspects of the fire service covered in the general reviews of the service which I have asked local authorities to undertake. Arising from this review process to date, proposals submitted from five fire brigade authorities for additional staff for fire prevention work have been sanctioned, and proposals from three other local authorities are under consideration.

Is the Minister aware of the serious position which obtains in a number of local authority areas in relation to the issuing of certificates of inspection and therefore of fire safety for premises such as factories? Is he aware that in the Dublin area the number of certificates issued dropped by 33 per cent this year? Will the Minister give urgent attention to the proposals which are on his desk at this time to recruit extra staff for the service to ensure that people will not be burned if there is a holocaust in one of these factories?

It is a matter for each local authority to decide on the staffing arrangements for inspections. It is understood that inspection of factories in relation to means of escape is done by chief fire officers and other fire prevention staff.

Is the Minister aware that there are written reports from local authorities expressing dissatisfaction with the present situation? Although it is primarily a matter for local authorities, is it not a fact that the Minister's Department have to sanction changes in staffing arrangements?

Yes.

Will the Minister consider the situation?

We consider proposals submitted by local authorities and sanction staffing arrangements. We have recently sanctioned a number of additional posts.

When will the Minister make a decision in relation to Question No. 25?

That is a separate question.