Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 82:

In page 25, between lines 45 and 46, to insert the following:

"A9F.—It shall be a function of the Commission to establish standards of training of heating and plumbing contractors in relation to the safety of home heating and plumbing installations.".".

This amendment concerns the introduction of safety standards for all home heating installations. The Minister said on Committee Stage that he would re-examine this matter. In tabling the amendment, however, I did not have sight of the Bill as amended and recommitted to the House. Therefore, I had to table something in order to engage with the particular section.

The mechanical element of the installation of central heating systems — whether they are based on oil, gas, electricity or solid fuel — all have a safety requirement. There have been a number of explosions in houses in which people have been injured. More seriously, emissions of noxious gas have caused death. One such incident occurred in Greece in recent weeks, which was caused by a gas burner. The same safety principles apply to solid fuel central heating systems, particularly for private homes. I have had discussions with a number of installers who say that standards need to be put in place governing home heating installations. These standards include principles dealing with the health and safety aspects involved as well as the efficiency element of such heating systems.

There are three elements to this matter. The first is efficiency and the need to deliver in accordance with the Kyoto Protocol and EU directives. The second is the safety element, which is what the Bill is about in many respects. The third is a regulatory or supervisory element, which involves having a particular standard as well as the need to apply it to the installation of all home heating systems, regardless of whether they are run on gas or electricity.

We must ensure that the Kyoto aspirations, health and safety standards and efficiency guidelines are met. There is a world of difference in terms of delivering efficiency in heating systems arising from the way in which they are installed. One can do it in a number of ways. There is a theory that any fool can do the job, but that is not so. Only those who have acquired a particular standard are capable of delivering the kind of efficiencies and safety requirements to which I have referred. It would be good for the industry and the country at large if the Minister were to accept the amendment. The Minister may wish to modify it as the case may be but I would be interested to hear what he has to say about it. I am sure he has received representations from the industry, as other Members of the House have, which indicate a necessity to introduce this kind of standard.

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