Ms Sheenagh Rooney:

It is important to clarify two points. With regard to the comparison of our scheme with that in Northern Ireland, we feel very strongly that ours stacks up really well. Mr. Egan referred to the inspector in Northern Ireland marking an installer's card. We do not tolerate marking anyone's card if there is an allegation of illegal activity. We will proceed immediately to open a case file, gather evidence and take the person concerned to court. We do not mark anybody's card and do not give second chances.

In Northern Ireland those who are registered are inspected only every three to four years. Under our scheme every registered person is inspected once a year; those who are new to the scheme are inspected more often than this. We are always looking at our scheme to see how it could be improved and always looking to see how it compares with others. We are confident that it stacks up very well compared to other schemes identified. There are resources in the CER for our gas safety officers who investigate any complaint of illegal activity and in the Registered Gas Installers of Ireland to oversee those who are registered.