James Bannon (Fine Gael)

I join other Senators in welcoming the Minister and the representatives of RECI to the Visitors Gallery. I commend Senator Higgins for bringing forward this important Bill, which is long overdue. It is the Government's duty to bring about greater safety in this area but it has not done so.

The Bill is to be strongly welcomed in the interests of public safety. It should be given unequivocal support from both sides of the House in order to promote the common good. I am disappointed with the comments of Senators Kenneally and MacSharry that the Government is not in a position to support the Bill which has to do with safety in the home, workplace and industry. Safety should be paramount in everyone's minds. The primary aim of the Bill is to promote safety in the technical standards of the electrical contracting sector while imposing an obligation on electrical contractors, electricians and others working in the sector to register with an electrical contracting supervisory body. These proposals are to be welcomed. I hope, with tighter controls, we can cut out the cowboys. Workers in the sector must conform to the highest standards of public safety and comply with all the relevant codes, rules and requirements. Substandard electrical work has caused loss of life and will continue to do so unless all of the loopholes are closed.