Fianna Fáil Seanad spokesperson on Health and Mental Health, Dr Keith Swanick, has called on the leader of the house to arrange a debate on carbon monoxide and related matters where proposals can be examined which would place a much greater onus on landlords and others to ensure safety standards are maintained.
“The State, through the 31 local authorities, is the largest landlord in the country," Senator Swanick said in the Seanad. "It is crucial that each local authority is meeting their legal and regulatory obligations in terms of ensuring that all domestic boilers are serviced annually.
“According to the Health Service Executive on average at least six people die accidentally every year from the carbon monoxide poisoning, with many more presenting themselves to GPs and to A&E with symptoms such as nausea, headaches, breathlessness, and vomiting. Last week, as we are all aware, was carbon monoxide week, however the recognition of this silent killer should not end.
“The 31 local authorities in Ireland have made provision in their 2016 budgets to receive rental payments of over €391 million from local authority tenants. Recognition must now be given to carbon monoxide and the easily preventable nature of the fatal gas.
“The Minister for Communications, Climate Action, and Environment, Denis Naughten TD, and the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Simon Coveney TD, need to treat carbon monoxide as the lethal yet preventable killer that it is.”
