asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he has satisfied himself that real competition exists between alternative suppliers of bottled domestic gas in the standard size, given the multiplicity of different, incompatible regulatory fittings for the same; the action, if any, he intends taking to introduce a standard fitting which will meet both national safety standards and facilitate interchangeability of alternative sources of gas; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Bottled Domestic Gas.
54.
I understand that competition between the three companies who currently supply bottled domestic gas to the Irish market has always been keen. In addition, strong competition exists between the bottled gas producers and the other industries in the energy sector i.e. electricity, domestic heating oil and natural gas.
The development of a standard fitting which will facilitate interchangeability of alternative sources of gas is a matter for private industry. My primary responsibility is to ensure that an adequate standard of safety exists for users of bottled domestic gas and to that end two Irish standards were signed in October 1986 relating specifically to the safety of neck valves and pressure regulators for liquified petroleum gas cylinders.
I am not aware of any evidence of public dissatisfaction in respect of different fittings for cylinders.