Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Scheme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 February 2013

Wednesday, 27 February 2013

Questions (202)

Stephen Donnelly

Question:

202. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he intends to establish a registration scheme for oil installers and service technicians, similar to RGII, which regulates professionals permitted to work on gas systems, and RECI, which registers those permitted to work with electricity; the steps he has taken to date, if any, to establish this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10450/13]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

I assume that the Deputy is referring to the potential dangers that may result from faulty installations, especially carbon monoxide gas, which would be dangerous to people in their homes and at their places of work. In that regard, I was pleased to launch the first Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week on 24 September 2012. The Awareness Week saw a sustained, multi-media publicity campaign to alert people to the dangers posed by carbon monoxide and to give them advice as to what they should do to be safe. The issue was widely reported on television, on national and local radio and in both national and local press. In respect of the possibility for a mandatory registration scheme for oil technicians, similar to those in place for the gas (RGII) and electricity (RECI) industries, I have asked my officials to meet with industry representatives to discuss the matter and I await the outcome of such discussions.