Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 9 Dec 1993

Vol. 437 No. 1

Written Answers. - Electrical Contractors.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

72 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Energy, and Communications whether, in view of over 20 deaths caused by electric current over the past three years, he has any proposals to give statutory effect to the Register of Electrical Contractors of Ireland; and whether he has any proposals to deal with those who refuse to be included on the register.

Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications (Mr. Cowen)

As Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications, I do not have a statutory function in relation to the safety and technical standards for electrical contracting work. The Electro-Technical Council of Ireland specifies standards for electrical installation work.

I am concerned, however, that the public should be able to rely on an acceptable standard of workmanship, and welcome efforts by the industry to ensure that adequate technical standards are applied. The Register of Electrical Contractors of Ireland was established as an independent, non-statutory, self-regulatory body, without direct State involvement, to be operated by the industry itself, to oversee satisfactory implementation of established standards for electrical installation work.

The Deputy may be aware that there are legal proceedings pending between the Association of South Western Electrical Contractors and the ESB. This case was taken following the ESB's decision, in support of RECI's objectives, that from 1 September 1992 it would only accept work on new connections for supply which were carried out, or inspected by RECI members. It is expected that this matter will be fully heard early in the new year, and it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the future of RECI pending the outcome of the case.