asked the Minister for the Environment if he has satisfied himself regarding the standard of work in installing electrical wiring and fitting in new houses; the inspection procedures involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Electrical Installations in New Houses.
43.
My Department's Memorandum on Procedures to be followed and standards to be applied in providing local authority dwellings stipulates that electrical installations should be in accordance with the "National Rules for Electrical Installations" of the Electro-Technical Council of Ireland. A similar stipulation is incorporated in the Department's outline specification for the erection of a grant type house. I also understand that the ESB will not supply current to a premises unless a certificate of completion is provided showing that the electrical installations meet the standards set by the Electro-Technical Council of Ireland. I am satisfied, therefore, that there are adequate arrangements to ensure a satisfactory standard of work in installing electrical wiring and fittings in new houses.
In relation to the first two items which the Minister referred to — his Department's Memorandum for guidance purposes and the regulations in relation to new house standards — would he not agree that the only inspections that are carried out in new houses in those cases are by planning inspectors who have no qualifications whatsoever in the matter of electrical wiring or safety? In relation to the third matter to which the Minister referred — the connection by the ESB of supply to new houses — would he indicate who would prepare the certificate to the effect that the house has been wired to a satisfactory standard?
I agree that the likelihood is that those who are carrying out inspections on behalf of my Department would have no expertise, or very little expertise, in so far as wiring installations are concerned. That was the whole idea of the procedures where the ESB — and they are the people who are responsible in this matter — would not allow a house to be lit up or fused until such time as they had an acceptable certificate from a qualified person. I understand that they are quite stringent about that now. In the past a lot of sloppy work was done but the ESB will not now give a new supply unless that certificate is furnished to them and unless they are satisfied, when they go out to instal supply to the house, that the installation is up to the mark. It is well organised at present.
I am afraid it is not. Is the Minister not aware that the certificate to which he refers, which must be supplied to the ESB, is to be — in his words — prepared and signed by a "qualified person" but there is no definition as to who a "qualified person" is? Is the Minister further aware that the association of electrical contractors in Ireland recently made a submission to him suggesting that there should be a standards authority and that qualified people should be registered with that authority and that certificates would be acceptable only from people who were registered? In a recent written reply he indicated that he is not prepared to set up such an authority. In those circumstances, I suggest that the Minister might consider having discussions with his colleague, the Minister for Energy, with a view to seeing whether the ESB, with the expertise which obviously exists within that organisation, might be invited to become the standards authority and that the certificate, rather than being presented to the ESB would be prepared by the ESB.
I think that what the Deputy is referring to is the question of a register of electrical contractors, which I am opposed to in the first instance. I would like to think that the industry would regulate itself in that regard. It was suggested to the associations who were asking for such a register to be set up in 1985, that the industry itself should consider establishing a register of electrical contractors and that they should seek the support of the ESB so far as participation in the formulation of such a register was concerned. That is the last that was heard about it.
I do not think it is necessary for me to set up a register in that regard. On a voluntary basis the industry themselves could do that very effectively. I am satisfied that the ESB, who are the competent authority — I am really answering on behalf of my colleague — are satisfied that the electrical installations in new houses are very closely watched by the ESB and that the certificate of competence for a new supply comes from established, recognised, qualified electrical people. On occasions they have refused to give supply where they were not satisfied with the level of competence. It seems to me that there is no need for a register of contractors in this instance and it also seems that once the ESB are satisfied in this regard the matter should rest there.
Order, one moment please. I am anxious to dispose of the three remaining questions, two of which are in the name of the Deputy in possession, Deputy John Boland, within the prescribed time, which is 3.45 p.m. in accordance with Standing Orders. I am seeking the co-operation of Deputy Boland and Deputy Martin Gibbons to ensure that that is so; otherwise when we come to appropriate time they may not be reached.
I think that the Minister is mistaken. He has received a recent submission, within the last two months, as did every Member of the House. In the course of that submission the electrical contractors contend that the ESB in many cases do not carry out the inspection which the Minister seems to be happily prepared to believe that they do. May I ask that the Minister would have his Department, in conjunction with the Department of Energy and the ESB, examine this entire matter, which is extremely important.
I will have another look at it but my advice is that the ESB are very satisfied with the level of competence applied to electrical installations in new houses. If the Deputy wants me to have another look at it I will.
Can we have a little co-operation now in disposing of the three remaining questions.