Eoghan Murphy (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

523. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government his plans regarding regulation of certain home heating (details supplied). [3584/15]

Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The regulation of gas and electricity heating installers is undertaken by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. I am not aware of any plans for the establishment of a state regulatory body for the installation of other fuels along the lines suggested.

However, I understand that industry stakeholders are developing both a training and registration scheme for the installers of oil and solid fuel heating systems. Part J of the Building Regulations sets out the statutory minimum requirements that apply to ensure the safe design and installation of heat producing appliances in dwellings. Following a full review, new Building Regulations (Part J Amendment) Regulations 2014 and a revised Technical Guidance Document (TGD J 2014) came into effect from 1 September 2014.

Part J/TGD J 2014 place a new emphasis on the engagement of competent contractors, the proper commissioning of systems and the obligation to provide information for owners on the system installed and any continuing maintenance required to ensure its safe and effective operation and avoid risk to health.

There are no proposals for the establishment of a state regulatory body for stove installers along the lines suggested.The National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI), which comes under the remit of the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, is the lead agency in relation to the formulation of quality, design and safety standards for heating installations and it normally advances such work through the establishment of expert industry working groups.

I also understand that the Construction Industry Register Ireland (CIRI) established by the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) as a register of builders and contractors provides for participation in the register by heating and plumbing contractors.

While the CIRI register is a voluntary register at present, the Government has signalled its commitment to placing the register on a statutory footing. I expect that legislative proposals in that regard will be brought to Government in the first half of this year. in line with the Government’s commitment to have the necessary legislation in place during 2015. I have asked my Department to liaise with CIRI and the NSAI in relation to the development of the heating and plumbing element of the register.