Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Ba mhaith liom tréaslú leis an Seanadóir Feargal Quinn as an mBille tábhachtach seo a chur chun tosaigh inniu. Aithním go bhfuil an tAire ag gabháil buíochas as an obair sin agus ag glacadh leis an mBille. Cuirim fáilte roimh sin.

This Bill represents an important step in the context of protecting citizens in their homes. As previous speakers indicated, carbon monoxide is a highly dangerous, colourless and odourless gas. Most Irish households have at least one heating appliance which, when in good working order and properly maintained, allows carbon monoxide to be safely vented via a chimney or whatever. When such appliances are defective, carbon monoxide can enter a room without there being any indication that it is present. It is for this reason that it is dubbed "the silent killer". As Senator Quinn said, carbon monoxide is responsible for causing the deaths of approximately 40 people each year. The Bill is designed to ensure such deaths will be avoided by means of the affordable solution of having carbon monoxide alarms installed in people's homes. We are all aware of high profile cases relating to this matter. In Derry, for example, two teenagers unfortunately died because a heating appliance had not been properly fitted. The family of a man from Listowel who died as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning last February have appealed to people to have the proper alarms fitted in their homes.

Fianna Fáil is delighted to support Senator Quinn's Bill, particularly as it is a very practical and common-sense measure. I welcome that the Senator has included a provision whereby the owners of existing dwellings can be afforded an additional period in which to have their homes retrofitted with alarms. I also welcome that the Minister has stated he will not oppose Second Stage. Given that he has accepted the thrust of the legislation, I call on him to ensure Committee and Remaining Stages are taken at the earliest opportunity in order that the Bill might be sent to Dáil Éireann for consideration and approval as quickly as possible.

This legislation has the potential to save lives. If it related to road traffic accidents, we would not even be discussing it. The reason for this is that if the matter were that simple to deal with, the requisite legislation would already be in place. The Bill is quite straightforward. Senator Quinn carried out an enormous amount of research in order that he might bring it before us. While the Minister has signalled his agreement to the Bill passing Second Stage, I hope he and his Department will work speedily to ensure the remaining Stages will be disposed of at the earliest opportunity in order that the legislation might be enacted as quickly as possible. This would allow us to meet the 1 January 2015 deadline relating to new builds envisaged by the Bill's author, Senator Quinn.