asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if he will ensure that the practice whereby completion certificates in respect of electrical wiring may be bought across the counter by anyone from the Electro-Technical Council of Ireland offices will cease, in view of the obvious dangers involved.

22.

asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if he considers it desirable that a register of contractors for the electrical trade be established to help to bring about standardisation of at least minimal standards of public service in this regard; the proposals, if any, with respect to the in-troduction of such regulations, or to allow any of the professional organisations in this area to introduce such a register of qualified electrical contractors.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 21 and 22 together.

I understand that electrical contractors may obtain, for completion in respect of wiring installations or repairs undertaken by them, blank forms of certificate from a number of sources including the Electro-Technical Council of Ireland.

The availability, in itself, of blank forms of the certificate referred to cannot be regarded as facilitating substandard work with consequent hazards to life and property. Alternative forms of certificate can be and are used. It is the misuse of certificates which creates hazards.

I understand that for some years past the question of establishing a register of approved electrical contractors has been under consideration. The maintenance of such a register might provide some protection for the public against substandard electrical work, but I am not convinced that more effective measures could not be adopted to achieve this object.

In view of the present unsatisfactory situation I intend to start consultations immediately with the relevant interests concerned, including other Ministers, with a view to establishing the best possible procedures to protect the public interest in this area of activity.

23.