asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that very inferior quality electrical equipment is now being distributed in the Republic; and if he will take the necessary steps to control this before there is loss of life.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Electrical Equipment.
263.
I assume that what the Deputy has in mind is unsafe electrical equipment. I am not aware that such equipment is being distributed but I would suggest that the Deputy should bring any examples of such equipment which have come to his notice to the attention of the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards to have them tested, and if found to be unsafe, to have reports on the tests published.
The whole question of unsafe domestic electrical appliances has already, at my request, been under examination by the institute with the object of formulating a standard specification which would lay down minimum standards of safety for these goods. It is my intention to prohibit by statutory order in due course the sale of electrical goods which do not comply with these requirements. The Deputy will appreciate, however, that this is a wide field and that it will take some time to complete the examination.
As a preliminary step towards safety in the use of electrical appliances, I propose to prescribe, from the 1st December next, certain safety requirements in regard to three-core electrical cable fitted to domestic appliances.