Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit. Ba mhaith liom an rún seo a phlé.

Carbon monoxide is an odourless product. In recent times many fatalities have resulted from carbon monoxide poisoning. I understand it has been claimed that the number of deaths per annum may be as high as 40. However, I do not know if that figure is accurate, but I have certainly seen claims made in that regard. We have long since passed the time when we should have introduced legislation to cover homes, rented accommodation and hotels. A template is available to us, given that the installation of smoke alarms is obligatory in rented accommodation. They have saved many lives.

I would like to ask three questions, the first of which relates to smoke alarms. Why has the relevant legislation not been extended to cover all domestic dwellings, including homes? Fatalities could have been avoided if such legislation had been in place. Perhaps there is a risk that insurance cover would not apply in cases of non-compliance with the law. I wonder if there is a reason the legislation has not been extended to include homes.

The second question I would like to ask relates to something I noticed when I was examining this issue. The Commission for Energy Regulation has not taken responsibility for safety regulation in this area. That is different from what happens in the case of similar regulators in other jurisdictions. Why has the regulator not taken such responsibility?

My main question relates to carbon monoxide detectors or alarms. When will legislation be in place to make it compulsory to have such alarms or detectors in one's home? They are necessary if we are to reduce the number of deaths being experienced. I am aware that people who have been bereaved following such accidents have been campaigning strongly for many years without success. They have been asking the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to introduce legislation in this regard. I fail to see the justification for the failure to introduce such legislation. I am asking specifically whether such legislation is planned. If so, when is it hoped it will be presented in the Oireachtas? I urge the Minister of State to make his best endeavours in this regard.