Mandatory carbon monoxide detectors

Referring to the tragic deaths of two young men in Castlerock recently, the MLA said if brought into force, legislation must be "practical".

The East Londonderry representative said: "First and foremost, I express my profound sympathies to the Davidson and McFerran families, and to Matthew Gaw, the young man who was caught up in the tragedy, and compliment them on the dignified way in which they dealt with such tragic events in the public eye."

He continued: "The events in Castlerock this August have made many of us aware in the most dreadful way of the lethal nature of carbon monoxide. What happened in Castlerock is something that every Member of the Assembly will not wish to see happen again.

"To ensure that is the case, new legislation should be brought before the House at the earliest possible opportunity. This legislation must, however, be enforceable and practical, otherwise it is pointless. The obvious starting point for any new legislation is to ensure that all new builds have detectors installed, as should all rented properties, be they in the public or private sector. Smoke detectors are compulsory and have undoubtedly saved lives, so let us ensure that the same applies to carbon monoxide detectors."

Mr Robinson referred to the issue of Carbon Monoxide as a "life and death debate" and said that the Minister of Finance and Personnel and the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment have already made clear their support for "new, carefully considered, workable legislation" in a statement of 10 August.

He continued: "Minister Foster was and is right to urge people to acquire detectors now and not to wait for another tragedy."

"It is essential that people are made aware of how carbon monoxide manifests itself. The Health Minister must play the leading role in doing that, and other Departments, such as the Department of Education, also have a role to play.

"A joint education campaign on smoke and carbon monoxide detectors could perhaps be a way forward. I am convinced that the Assembly must be proactive in response to that tragedy. Never again should we have to deal with loss of life knowing that we could have put in place legislation to minimise the possibility of another tragic event. It is, therefore, with sincerity that I ask all Members to support this worthwhile Motion".

Speaking after the debate Mr Robinson said it was "essential" properties have these detectors fitted.

" I would also urge people to ensure that they fit these detectors as a matter of course to protect themselves and their families. I would also urge architects and builders to include them in plans for new build properties from today, rather than wait for this to become a legal requirement. Is 50 worth a life?"