Derek Nolan (Galway West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

We should also find out from the Department about the Hunt report and the implementation of the recommendations there. Those are the three recommendations of the committee. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Petition No. 40/14, disease rates linked to central heating systems is from Mr. Tony Rochford. Since 2000, a large percentage of plumbers started to use single check non-return valves to link the central heating system to the householder's water supply. Prior to this, a separate water tank in the attic was used to supply the central heating system. There are no regulation on this issue.

The Petitioner has requested that the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government inform the HSE of this issue and to conduct a public awareness campaign. According to the petitioner, there are possibly 100,000 plus households affected and research indicates that chemicals and bacteria are leaking into the houses' water supply. With self-certification and no regulations, many plumbers continue this practice countrywide.

At the same time, the HSE is reporting an ever-increasing level of disease rates where water can be the transmission route. Health and social care professionals, HSCP, reports also indicate that 30% of these outbreaks come from unknown sources.

The petitioner has requested that the committee deal with this issue. I open it to the members.