Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
121. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason that only one body controls the governance of gas fitters and electricians in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43827/22]
View answer122. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on whether European Union law to allow competition is being upheld given that only one body controls the governance of gas fitters and electricians in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43828/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 121 and 122 together.
Responsibility for regulating the activities of gas and electrical undertakings with respect to safety was assigned to the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) under the Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006 (as amended). The CRU, in its capacity as the National Regulatory Authority for energy, exercises functions under national and European energy legislation, and as such is an appropriate body to oversee safety matters in the energy sector. This is not a matter that falls under the scope of competition legislation at either national or European level. I should add that the CRU is solely accountable for the performance of its functions to a Committee of the Oireachtas and not to the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications.
