Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)

We engaged in a lengthy discussion on Committee Stage regarding specified and designated works. A number of Members tabled amendments, some of which have been subsumed into the Bill. I am obliged to disagree with Deputy Eamon Ryan in respect of this matter because the fundamental impetus behind the section is to create, at the highest levels, a safe environment in which electrical and gas works may be carried out. On Committee Stage, we debated, in great detail with the Minister, Deputy Noel Dempsey, the types of works which are specified or designated that could be exempted. Eventually, the Minister accepted some of the amendments tabled by Opposition Members.

It is difficult to understand how a precise definition might be arrived at in respect of this matter. I do not know whether it would be good practice to proceed in the way suggested by Deputy Eamon Ryan. Even when one considers the most basic works in respect of properly maintaining a house, it is obvious that huge safety issues arise. The basic tenor of the section is the right way to proceed.

The Oireachtas committee of which I am a member received a huge number of presentations in the lead-up to Committee Stage of the Bill, one of which was submitted by the Register of Electrical Contractors of Ireland, RECI, which was trying to discover the kinds of works that would be included under the Bill. I would prefer the method used in the Bill rather than adopting a system of exempting certain works. On Committee Stage, we discussed the area where the work of electricians and plumbers overlap. I refer, for example, to the installation of a shower. Is the latter a plumbing job or should it be carried out by an electrician?

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