andMr. O'Toole asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if any official safety standards are applicable to the conversion of vehicle engines to gas fuel, and the control, if any, exercised to ensure that such standards, if any, are conformed with.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Safety Standards.
11.
I have not laid down any safety standards applicable to the conversion of vehicle engines to gas fuel. I understand, however, that the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards have been examining the technical aspects of this problem.
I regard as serious the fact that we do not have standards applicable to such vehicles. Is the Minister aware that some public service vehicles in this city show red signs inside stating that passengers should not smoke because the vehicle is run on gas? I have seen that sign. Is the Minister aware that some of those vehicles are using what is known technically as liquid-take-offvalves which are unsafe? Is the Minister aware that in many cases there are no relief valves or outside filler valves? We are talking about a very unsatisfactory situation. In the light of the fact that there are no regulations would the Minister immediately try to draw up some basic minimum standards? At present cars are being driven around this city with cylinders rolling around in the boot. Something should be done about them. When does the Minister expect minimum standards of safety to be prepared in regard to gas-propelled cars?
It appears that the question of such standards is a matter for the Department of the Environment as the risks which attend the use of gas as a fuel in a vehicle are seen as an aspect of road safety. Statutory provisions in relation to fuel tanks of vehicles and apparatus supplying fuel to the engine, but not specifically gas fuel, are included in the regulations made by the Minister for the Environment in 1963 regarding the construction, equipment and use of vehicles. The Institute for Industrial Research and Standards are examining the technical aspects relating to the fittings that should be used when converting vehicle engines to gas fuel and the Department of the Environment are being kept aware of developments. I assume that if standards are to be made they will be made by that Department.
That will be of little comfort to relatives of people who may suffer.
This is a buck-passing exercise.
The Chair seems to be out of order in calling on Deputies not to make speeches. Deputies should pose questions.
I should like to know if the IIRS are the responsibility of the Minister's Department. If that is the case when does the Minister expect information from the IIRS? Will that information be sent to the Minister or to the Department of the Environment?
My Department are responsible for the IIRS. The results of the examination will be presented to my Department for transmission to the Department of the Environment.
Has the Minister any idea when that information will be available?
I have no idea.
Does the Minister accept that what I have stated in regard to such vehicles is true?
Does the Minister not agree that the handling of dangerous gases is a matter for her Department, irrespective of where they are used? Does the Minister agree that it is her responsibility to lay down minimum safety regulations in relation to the handling of such gases?
We are talking about fuel tanks in vehicles.
The preparation of minimum safety standards is the responsibility of the Minister, irrespective of where such gases are used.