Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank colleagues for their questions in regard to the scope of the regulation. It is restricted to domestic dwellings. It is particular in its focus. On the question from Deputy Moynihan and Senator Brennan in regard to the farmstead as distinct from the farmhouse, etc., this instrument will apply to the farm house. The farm is regarded as a place of work. Paragraph 4.3 of the statutory instrument states: "...for the purposes of the Act designated electrical works does not include...". Those works not included are electrical works on a construction site and so on. I would have thought that the Health and Safety Authority would cover most of the other areas and that this regulation is particular to the domestic dwelling.

The domestic dwelling is defined as somewhat extended beyond the domestic residence in the sense that if there is a business in the home that does not have resort to electricity, more than the normal usage in the home and so on, such as, for example, a surgery or consulting room, that is covered. Anything that requires industrial scale electricity would not come under the aegis of this particular regulation.

On who provides certification, the onus is on the owner of the domestic dwelling to get a certificate from RECI stating that he or she has complied and so on. As Deputy Ellis will be aware, there is an internal system within the trade association to ensure its members are up to standard. It carries out occasional audits and so on to ensure they are up to standard. On penalties, these include, on indictment, a fine not exceeding €15,000 or a term of imprisonment not exceeding three years, or both. On summary conviction, the fine cannot exceed €5,000. It seems to me well judged. As stated by Deputy Maloney, even if there is some expense attached to engaging a reputable contractor as distinct from a cowboy operator, in the interests of domestic safety and so on it is worth it.

The regulation is not retrospective. It applies from here on. It is hoped it will be law in a few weeks. I again thank colleagues for their comments and questions.