Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 January 2011
105 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to encourage a more widespread installation of carbon monoxide detectors in view of the fact that approximately 40 persons die every year here from carbon monoxide poisoning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3993/11]
View answerI refer to the reply by Minister of State John Moloney, T.D., in response to a Seanad Adjournment Motion on 12 January 2011 which sets out comprehensively the actions already in place and currently being undertaken in order to address the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning.
As indicated in that response, the Department is committed to a review of Part J of the Building Regulations, which deals with Heat Producing Appliances, later this year. As an integral part of the review, consideration will be given to whether, and in what circumstances, mandatory provision for carbon monoxide alarms might appropriately be included in the Building Regulations. The review of Part J will be the subject of a full public consultation process, as well as a Regulatory Impact Assessment, before any final decisions in the matter are made.
A research paper published in the Irish Medical Journal (volume 96, March 2003) found that 40 deaths per year in Ireland were attributed to carbon monoxide poisoning. The research was based on statistical sources relevant to the years 1992 to 1997. The deaths occurred as a consequence of carbon monoxide poisoning from a range of sources including house fires, the incomplete combustion of fuels from heating systems and vehicle exhausts.
The paper advocated a multi-dimensional approach to the prevention of carbon monoxide poisoning which would include the promotion of the use of CO detectors in a domestic setting, the proper installation and maintenance of combustion appliances and flues/chimneys in buildings, and education of the public and health professionals of the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning. All of these measures have been addressed as set out in the above mentioned reply to the adjournment.
The Department will continue to work closely with all other relevant Departments and agencies with a view to taking whatever further action is necessary and appropriate.
