Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if has plans to introduce the mandatory installation of carbon monoxide detectors into all public buildings, businesses and homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3423/13]

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he has plans to introduce a scheme of financial aid or support to encourage persons to purchase and install carbon monoxide detectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3425/13]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 182 and 183 together.

My Department is currently undertaking a review of the Building Regulations Part J – Heat Producing Appliances – and the accompanying Technical Guidance Document J (TGD J). This review has addressed the appropriateness of making mandatory provision for Carbon Monoxide Detectors/Alarms (CO detectors) in certain circumstances. Proposals to amend Building Regulations Part J /TGD J were released for public consultation in 2012. In cases where an open-flued or flueless appliance, including a fireplace, is installed in a building (including a dwelling) or as a replacement appliance in an existing building , the consultation proposals favoured the mandatory provision of CO detectors in or near bedrooms and in the room where the appliance is located. The public consultation concluded on 7 November 2012. All submissions received are currently being reviewed with a view to preparing a definitive set of regulations for signature into law later this year.

There are no plans under consideration in my Department to introduce a scheme of financial aid or support to encourage persons to purchase and install carbon monoxide detectors along the lines suggested.