NO Government department or agency has resp9nsibility for making sure that discos or night clubs have a constant supply of cold water, it was revealed in the Seanad last night.
The Minister for Commerce, Science and Technology, Mr Pat Rabbitte, told Dr Mary Henry (Ind), that there were no laws to ensure that discos, night clubs or other places of entertainment, where young people might take drugs, had to provide a constant supply of cold water.
Whether they approved of it or not, "we seem to be closing our eyes" to the problem. It seems there is no legislative framework there and it is an area that "warranted looking at", he said. Dr Henry had identified an area which warrants further investigation".
Dr Henry, in a motion on the adjournment, said there had been a series of deaths related to the use of ecstasy or other "dance drugs". Most of the deaths appear to have occurred due to "heat stroke", which could be alleviated by avoiding alcohol and drinking plenty of cold water.
"To my amazement I have been told by young people who frequent these clubs that the taps of the hand basins in the lavatories at all these venues are frequently turned off for the whole night. This means that the dancers have to buy water at vastly inflated prices at the bar. They do not want to buy alcohol but they have paid an entrance fee".
Dr Henry said that "heat stroke" involved very high body temperatures - over 40 degrees, dehydration, high pulse rate, low blood pressure, blood coagulation leading to renal failure and death.
"The young people are usually dancing very energetically and the venues are very crowded. Taking these drugs is a very dangerous recreation, but there are some precautions to avoid really serious problems - like drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcohol".
The rights of workers appeared to be covered by health and safety regulations. Other legislation covered bars, public houses and restaurants.
Dr Henry queried: "But who or what cares for those who frequent venues which one night might have a "rave" and the next night a concert by Pavarotti? Is it really enough to say it is up to the local authorities? Are environmental health officers involved? Who is supposed to ensure that the water keeps flowing? I'm not even insisting it be drinking water - just clean water so that potentially lethal situations can be avoided".
Replying to Dr Henry's motion on the adjournment of the Seanad, Mr Rabbitte outlined the legislative responsibilities of the Minister for Labour, the Minister for Education and the Minister for the Environment.
"I am not aware of any department/agency which has a statutory obligation to ensure that adequate sanitary facilities are made available to the public.
"It would appear that the senator has identified an area which warrants further investigation. Given the responsibilities of the Minister for the Environment under the Building Regulations, it appears to me he is the person best placed to advise you in relation to your concerns. I have arranged that a copy of your motion and my comments will be passed to him".