Departmental Reviews

Tuesday, 28 July 2026

Ceisteanna (1060, 1061)

Naoise Ó Muirí

Ceist:

1060. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the expected timeline for the completion of the review of furniture fire regulations; if his Department has assessed the implications of the UK's proposed move to a smoulder-test-based regime for Irish manufacturers and consumers; if Ireland will seek to align with the emerging UK and wider European approach to flame retardants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58515/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Naoise Ó Muirí

Ceist:

1061. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he has assessed the environmental impacts of continued reliance on petrochemical polyurethane foam and associated flame retardants; the measures he is considering to support manufacturers using natural and lower-impact upholstery materials so that they are not disadvantaged by costly product-specific testing requirements; the ways he will ensure that future regulations promote innovation, sustainability and circular economy objectives alongside robust fire safety standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58516/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment (Deputy Peter Burke)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1060 and 1061 together.

The review of the furniture fire regulations has been completed.

On 22 July 2026, I signed the Industrial Research and Standards (Fire Safety) (Domestic Furniture) Order 1995 (Revocation) Regulations 2026 (S.I. 357 of 2026).

These Regulations revoke the Industrial Research and Standards (Fire Safety) (Domestic Furniture) Order 1995 (S.I. No. 316 of 1995).

The change will align Ireland's approach to furniture product safety with the European Union's General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), which has been applicable since 13 December 2024. The GPSR established a comprehensive framework to ensure that only safe consumer products are placed on the EU market. It places clear legal responsibilities on manufacturers, importers and distributors and provides robust mechanisms for market surveillance, enforcement and product recalls where risks arise.

The revocation of the 1995 Order will not require businesses to withdraw products that are already being lawfully supplied to the Irish market.

Businesses will be able to continue selling existing furniture products, provided those products comply with the GPSR and any other applicable legal requirements.

Question No. 1061 answered with Question No. 1060.