313 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the hardship being caused to a group of persons (details supplied); if he will enter into negotiations with the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation to have this matter fully investigated; if the Government will consider introducing a grant aid scheme either through Leader or the county enterprise board to help alleviate the losses associated with this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5404/02]

There is a general statutory duty on persons in control of premises, other than a dwelling house occupied as a single dwelling, to take all reasonable measures to guard against the outbreak of fire and to ensure as far as is reasonably practicable the safety of persons on the premises. My Department has provided assistance in this matter through the publication of a series of the latest guidance documents, the latest of these is "Fire Safety in Guest Accommodation (June 2001)". The guidance document sets out widely accepted fire precautions for both the buildings themselves and fire safety management of premises. It advises that a pro-active fire safety management policy should be in place to minimise the risk of fire occurring and to ensure the safety of guests in an emergency. Responsibility for the funding of necessary fire safety measures rests appropriately with the owner of the guesthouse or other accommodation involved. I have no function in relation to the provision of grant aid for tourist accommodation.