I am pleased to be speaking to you today at this landmark event for RECI. I wish to formally thank your chairman, Thomas Heffernan, for his kind invitation to mark this occasion. The issue of RECI’s one-millionth completion certificate by John Terry Kelly Electrical to Mr. and Mrs. Damien Granahan of Ballyboden, Dublin 16 is a remarkable milestone. It is an achievement of which all members of RECI can feel justifiably proud.
The completion certificate, published by the Electro Technical Council of Ireland, is recognised by the general public as a guarantee of quality. These certificates provide an assurance that particular electrical works have been carried out to the highest standards.
They also demonstrate to the ESB that it is safe to supply electricity to a particular installation. This ensures public safety and also serves to isolate rogue contractors. Further welcome improvements to the certification system will come on-line in 2007, expanding on RECI’s current role with regard to the safety of electrical installations.
Recognition of the need for self-regulation of the industry by its various members has led to RECI evolving, since its foundation in 1992, into the formidable representative organisation which it is today.
It now provides a wide range of services to both its members and the public. These include:
- quality proofing standards of work;
- inspection of work done by non-members;
- training; and
- complaints investigation.
As Minister with responsibility for Communications, I also note with approval RECI’s ‘on-line’ facility for completion certificates, which is particularly commendable and forward looking.
As RECI members will be aware, the Government is currently taking steps to provide for enhanced regulation of both the electrical and gas industries.
The Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006, currently being advanced through the Oireachtas, will provide a firmer legal foundation to the regulation of the electrical contracting industry with regard to safety matters.
The Commission for Energy Regulation will play a pivotal role in the implementation of the provisions of this Bill, and will be given a variety of new responsibilities, including:
- a strong regime of inspection; and
- the power to designate certain classes of electrical as being solely the province of registered electrical contractors.
The Bill also includes significant statutory penalties for those who falsely describe themselves as registered electrical contractors, or contravene other safety provisions. The day of the “rogue” contractor operating outside the system, purporting to be fully qualified and taking advantage of unsuspecting people is over. It comes as no surprise that these new safety laws have garnered the support of everyone inside and outside the industry.
I wish to acknowledge the ongoing commitment, support and input which RECI has provided in developing this new policy and to say a special word of thanks to the CER, and especially its safety manager Eamonn Murtagh, who has been a driving force.
I look forward to RECI’s continuing success, backed up by concrete statutory measures and continued Government support.
My Department will continue to work closely with the CER, RECI and other industry representative bodies to put in place the new measures as quickly as possible once they receive the endorsement of the Oireachtas.
Congratulations and well done.
Go raibh maith agaibh.