Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 January 2013
182. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if has plans to introduce the mandatory installation of carbon monoxide detectors into all public buildings, businesses and homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3423/13]
View answer183. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has plans to introduce a scheme of financial aid or support to encourage persons to purchase and install carbon monoxide detectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3425/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 182 and 183 together.
My Department is currently undertaking a review of the Building Regulations Part J – Heat Producing Appliances – and the accompanying Technical Guidance Document J (TGD J). This review has addressed the appropriateness of making mandatory provision for Carbon Monoxide Detectors/Alarms (CO detectors) in certain circumstances. Proposals to amend Building Regulations Part J /TGD J were released for public consultation in 2012. In cases where an open-flued or flueless appliance, including a fireplace, is installed in a building (including a dwelling) or as a replacement appliance in an existing building, the consultation proposals favoured the mandatory provision of CO detectors in or near bedrooms and in the room where the appliance is located. The public consultation concluded on 7 November 2012. All submissions received are currently being reviewed with a view to preparing a definitive set of regulations for signature into law later this year.
There are no plans under consideration in my Department to introduce a scheme of financial aid or support to encourage persons to purchase and install carbon monoxide detectors along the lines suggested.
