Written answer
Regulatory Bodies
125. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will provide an update on the regulatory measures in place to ensure that when a registered gas installer formally notifies the relevant authorities of a dangerous gas installation, that notification triggers an immediate and independent site verification; if he is satisfied that the current regulatory structure adequately prevents the reinstatement of gas supply to properties with outstanding safety hazards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59836/26]
Comment on this
126. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will provide an update on the regulatory measures in place to ensure that when a registered gas installer formally notifies the relevant authorities of a dangerous gas installation, that notification triggers an immediate and independent site verification; if he is satisfied that the current regulatory structure adequately prevents the reinstatement of gas supply to properties with outstanding safety hazards; and if he will make a statement on the matter [59847/26]
Comment on this
I propose to take Questions Nos. 125 and 126 together.
Under section 9F of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999, as amended, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) is responsible for the regulation of gas installers with respect to safety. The regulation of the issues raised by the Deputy is the responsibility of the CRU, which is a statutorily independent body in the exercise of its functions and provides a dedicated email address for Oireachtas members, which enables them raise questions on regulatory matters for direct reply with the CRU at oireachtas@cru.ie.
The CRU has advised the following with respect to the Question submitted:
The CRU appoints a Gas Safety Supervisory Body (GSSB) to operate the Registered Gas Installer (RGI) scheme on its behalf. The current GSSB is Safe Energy Ireland. The CRU’s Gas Safety Supervisory Criteria Document sets out the detailed rules and the obligations for participants operating within the RGI scheme. Under the RGI scheme, RGIs are required to identify and report unsafe gas installations through the Notification of Hazard process.