Feargal Quinn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The terrible news we heard this morning about an elderly couple in their 80s in Churchtown suspected to have died from carbon monoxide poisoning is a real reminder to us of the job we have here. In April 2014, I introduced a Bill to ensure all buildings would have protection against carbon monoxide. The then Minister, Deputy Phil Hogan, stated he would take steps in that direction in regard to new homes or homes that had been revamped. On that basis, I withdrew my Bill. The proposed measure was to be introduced on 1 September, and I hope it was. The tragedy is a real reminder to us of our responsibility and it is not the first. The mother and sister of a well-known singer, Honor Heffernan, were both found dead from carbon monoxide a few years ago.It was a reminder to us of what can happen and how we need to draw attention to the danger that this can occur. Carbon monoxide detectors are on sale in supermarkets for only a few euro so it is possible to have these solved. I would like to think that something could be done. It is not necessarily our job to pass laws. The Minister has made sure that there will be carbon monoxide protectors in all new homes but we have to make sure that we protect people in others as well.

I only learned on coming in here today that our newest colleague in the Seanad, Senator Gerard Craughwell, became a father - I'm sorry, grandfather - over the weekend and I want to congratulate him on his granddaughter who is now likely to become engaged to one of my grandsons. She does not know it yet but I gather she would be a very worthy catch, and we will make sure he knows it as well.