Dr. Paul McGowan:

I will respond to the points made by Deputy Moynihan. The CER takes its statutory function in respect of safety very seriously, from the well head to the burner tip. The RGII scheme is an important part of the overall safety framework that applies in Ireland. We regard the RGII scheme and the overall safety framework that applies in Ireland as world standard in respect of the overall aim of reducing the risk to the public to a level that is as low as is reasonably practical. That is the general gas safety framework.

The RGII scheme is a very important element of that scheme. Our role is threefold. It is to operate a registration scheme in which people can have confidence. Much of that is achieved by ensuring that people are aware of the need to use a registered gas installer when they carry out an installation. We therefore carry out a communications and public awareness campaign each year which is subject to continual review. It is also important that people can have confidence that the person they hire is competent. Again, that is done by ensuring that entry into and continuing membership of the scheme is subject to review and assessment and that the installers are insured. We also acknowledge that this is an evolving scheme that does not stand still.

We have never said we have it perfectly right, and this is why we engage in dialogue with stakeholders, go through public consultation and get a variety of views on the role of public awareness on whether we should do more or less. We must take a balanced approach to the variety of views we hear when we engage in public consultation on any aspect. Nevertheless, we have continued to make changes to the scheme over time regarding the membership of the scheme, the requirement for continual assessment and other aspects on which Ms Rooney might be able to elaborate. It is to reassure members of the committee and the public that gas is a safe fuel in Ireland for people going about their daily lives. To ensure this, however, the need to use a registered gas installer is one of the key messages we want to get out there. It is very important that the message gets out there.