Feargal Quinn (Independent)

I thank Senator Zappone for an education and the activity she has created in this regard. I did not know anything about the loop system and did not realise this. I also thank Senator Darragh O'Brien for raising again the question regarding illegal diesel I introduced some time ago. It is a matter of huge concern for the State because the money involved runs to hundreds of millions of euros and because it encourages crime.

I wish to introduce one other point about which something should be done. My attention has been drawn to carbon monoxide, which is a silent killer that some estimates suggest kills more than 40 people each year in Ireland, although there is some doubt about how many it kills. Carbon monoxide is a gas that is produced when fuel is burned. It is extremely dangerous to people when emitted in an enclosed and unventilated area such as a house, garage or car. The major problem is that because carbon monoxide is odourless, colourless and tasteless, it is a silent killer. The solution is to have a carbon monoxide detector which can be bought for approximately €30. Someone told me he bought a Chinese made one for only €10, which indicates the possibility of being able to do something about it.

Northern Ireland has introduced regulations requiring new houses being built to be fitted with such a detector. We have not done that and yet it is a simple thing to do. The regulation was introduced in Northern Ireland following the death in County Donegal last year of two people, who were, I believe, from the North of Ireland. When the Northern Ireland authorities visited and discovered that the cause was carbon monoxide poisoning, they introduced legislation to ensure every house in Northern Ireland will have a carbon monoxide detector. We can do the same and I ask the Leader to draw the attention of the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to the matter and to initiate legislation promptly.