Feargal Quinn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

In the past I have often criticised the length of time it takes to get things done in the State system. Some months ago a young person died from a peanut allergy. The person went into a chemist shop but was unable to get an anaphylactic pen. One simple solution would be to ensure every restaurant in the country has at least one of these pens. Pens cost very little and they last for at least a full year. It could be done with a simple tranche of legislation, if we even need legislation, stipulating that among the conditions for every restaurant is that they should have one of these pens available. The same pen will act as a solution to any allergy as far as I know although I am not an expert on it. It would appear to be a simple solution and I do not know why someone has not grabbed hold of it and decided to do it right away to save lives.

Some months ago the death took place of a person from carbon monoxide poisoning. One comparatively simple solution - it would not be immediate but it could be a simple solution - could involve a regulation that every new home should have a carbon monoxide alarm fitted. That would not need new legislation. It would simply need a change in the building by-laws.

These steps could be taken and they would save lives. Certain things could happen more quickly than what is happening at the moment. I call on the Leader to draw the attention of the Ministers responsible for these two areas to these proposals and to ask if we can move on them right away and see what can be done. If it needs legislation then let us introduce legislation, but in the meantime let us see if we can save lives by a simple act.