Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the CER and AHPCI for their presentations. There appears to be a dispute between the two groups about the scale of the problem. It has been stated approximately 30,000 boilers are being sold on a yearly basis, of which only approximately 12,000 are being certified, and that up to 100,000 have been been fitted illegally. If there are 600,000 gas customers, this means that one in six boilers has been fitted illegally. This needs to be verified. I note the statement that the CER is struggling to verify it. In 2011 Mr. Dermott Jewell of the Consumer Association of Ireland carried out a survey of main dealers. The figure he came up with was 27,500. Has he been consulted on the basis of that survey? He should be because it would give us some idea of the scale of the problem. If the scale of the problem is anywhere near that figure, there is a big problem in terms of regulation. We certainly need further investigation of the issue by RGII, which needs to be given additional powers in this regard.

I note that RGII has stated it is not responsible for weeding out illegal installers. While it may not have responsibility, it should have a role to play in verifying the scale of the problem. I have had many experiences of gas boilers and plumbing in general. Huge issues in this regard arose in the Ballymun regeneration project. Throughout the Celtic tiger era many contractors subcontracted out work, the standards of which was, in many cases, very poor. We now have a huge number of housing estates, the work in which was signed off on, but it was substandard. According to Bord Gáis Networks, there has been a 33% increase in the number of gas escapes. Has consideration been given to engagement with it on the putting in place by it of a mechanism through which it would engage with every customer in time? I accept that it would be a big ask, but if the scale of the problem is as great as stated, it is important that Bord Gáis Networks engage with each customer. I acknowledge that it will take some time to ascertain whether all boilers, etc. meet the required standard, but we may need to establish an inquiry to examine this issue. I am not aware of the penalties applied in this area. Perhaps the delegates might address that issue. The suggestion that identification numbers be printed on boilers is a good one.

The Minister, Deputy Alex White, in his letter to the AHPCI states, "neither I, as Minister, nor my Department has any role in gas safety." What is the view of the AHPCI? Is gas safety solely its responsibility? Surely, the Minister has some responsibility in this regard. It is not sufficient for him to say he has appointed a regulator and that he has no role in the matter. I would welcome hearing the delegates' opinion.