asked the Minister for Transport and Power if the electrical wiring in new houses is tested by the ESB; and, if so, the purpose and nature of the test.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Electrical Wiring Test.
4.
The electrical wiring in new houses is subjected to an insulation test by the ESB before being connected to the main supply. The purpose of the test is to ensure that connection of the installation will not disrupt the supply system.
Is it not a fact that this test is only carried out to see what effect it will have on the general supply in the area and that there is no test as such on the wiring of new houses? Is it not a fact that the general public have been misled into believing that the ESB thoroughly examine and check the wiring in each new house and that this is definitely not so?
The ESB have told me, and I refer to their letter, that wiring is tested and examined by them.
My information is that it is tested only to see what effect it has on the general supply in the area.
The Deputy is under a misapprehension here. It is not.
Can the Minister definitely guarantee that the ESB check fully all the wiring in every new house?
If the Deputy wishes I will look into it further and reply in greater detail, but that is my information anyway.
I would like the Minister to look into it.
Is the Minister aware that the ESB arrive at a house when it is plastered and the plugs are in place? They can see the plugs but they cannot test the wires. The work could be inferior and there is no way of checking it. It is covered completely when the ESB arrive. Is that not correct? Is that not the way it is done?
Deputy Luke Belton put down the question and he is being sensible about the matter, but Deputy Paddy Belton——
Arising out of the Minister's reply, I am asking a question. Is that not the way it is done? Is not the wiring covered when the ESB arrive? Is that not a fact?
Deputy Luke Belton——
I am asking that question. Will the Minister answer it?
Question No. 5.
Is the Minister aware of an interview I heard on the radio— I do not know the exact position the man holds but he is some sort of an electrical contractor or representative of contractors; actually his name is Jack Lynch——
I know him.
He has openly stated that this is true and that new houses are only tested to see what effect there is on the general system in the area.
As regards the point of view put forward by Deputy Luke Belton in his question and in his supplementaries, as I have assured him, my information is based on what the ESB tell me in regard to this matter, namely, that electrical wiring in new houses is tested and examined by the ESB. I will have the matter investigated and I will reply to Deputy Luke Belton.