Dr. Paul McGowan:

Legislation pertaining to sale of boilers is clearly a matter for the Oireachtas and not within our remit. Anything to ensure boilers are installed by registered gas installers would be welcomed. The term "tap on the shoulder" was used. I can compare that to the publicity we would gain from a successful prosecution. Such publicity has a better return, so to speak, in terms of getting the message out that an installer must be registered and a person must use a registered gas installer when an appliance is being serviced or installed.

We are in continuous discussion with Gas Networks Ireland about safety, as we also regulate it from a safety perspective. The scale of safety disconnections is an indication that the entire process of ensuring gas safety is working. When identified, these appliances are being disconnected, with steps taken to advise the person affected of what steps can be taken to rectify the position. A safety disconnection may not necessarily come about as a result of faulty installation or a particular issue. It could come down to age or damage.