Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 531: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if there is a code of practice regarding electrical contractors, particularly in relation to personnel who are not qualified carrying out electrical works that are then subsequently signed off by suitably qualified persons who have the necessary certification but did not actually carry out the work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22329/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006 provided for a new framework for the safety regulation of electrical contractors by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER). I am advised by the CER that, following detailed consultations, the new system for the regulation of electrical contractors with respect to safety came into operation on January 5th 2009. Both the Electrical Contractors Safety & Standards Association (ECSSA) and the Register of Electrical Contractors of Ireland (RECI) are the regulatory bodies appointed by the CER to carry out this function on its behalf. These bodies are referred to as the Electrical Safety Supervisory Bodies.

This new system replaced a voluntary system for safety with regard to electrical contracting works that had been in operation for some time. Under the voluntary system any party or individual could carry out electrical work with no legal requirement or enforcement in place with regard to the qualifications of those carrying out electrical work or with regard to the certification, testing or inspection of electrical work. The Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006 provided for the introduction of a mandatory regime in the interest of public safety.

Under the new regulatory scheme, I am advised that the majority of electrical installation work undertaken will require certification. The only party that can legally certify work is a Registered Electrical Contractor. To become a Registered Electrical Contractor, an individual must register with one of the electrical safety supervisory bodies and must meet specified standards in terms of qualification and training.

Electrical works which require certification must be carried out and tested in line with the relevant technical rules, and in particular the National Wiring Rules, which are developed by the Electro Technical Council of Ireland. The certification of electrical work by a Registered Electrical Contractor provides the customer with assurance that the electrical installation has been tested and verified in line with those rules and is therefore safe. By certifying the electrical installation the Registered Electrical Contractor is declaring that he or she is taking responsibility for the full installation and its safety. The onus therefore is placed on the certifying Registered Electrical Contractor to ensure that all of the electrical installation is compliant with the requirements of the National Wiring Rules.

All Registered Electrical Contractors are also obliged to adhere to the requirements of Rules of Registration of the relevant regulatory body to which they are a member. Under these rules Registered Electrical Contractors are prohibited from certifying work that they are not responsible for, unless they seek express permission from the relevant regulatory body.

In order to qualify to certify work, a Registered Electrical Contractor must have served a recognised apprenticeship as an electrician and been awarded a National Craft Certificate; or another suitable electrical award, equivalent to level 6 or higher on the National Framework of Qualifications; and have successfully completed a recognised course in Testing and Verification and Certification in the previous 3 years. All Registered Electrical Contractors will be subject to ongoing inspection and audit as regards their work. These arrangements are designed to protect lives and property from the risk of electrical safety incidents.