McQuillan calls for Carbon Monoxide strategy

Speaking during a motion to the Assembly on Monday, the DUP's Adrian McQuillan said: "The entire community of Northern Ireland was left shocked and shaken after the deaths witnessed in Castlerock at the beginning of August of Aaron Davidson and Neil McFerran, both aged 18, due to suspected carbon monoxide poisoning.

"We in Government must work to ensure that such tragedies are prevented. A strategy to deal with smoke and fire related deaths has been adopted and implemented with speed by the Northern Ireland Fire Service. The same level of focus and awareness must be given to the dangers of carbon monoxide."

Mr McQuillan said that the majority of deaths and incidents involving carbon monoxide poisoning are due to appliances not being maintained or fitted properly.

He added: "Every household must ensure that all flues and heating appliances are maintained and serviced properly and that the person they employ to carry out such work is a registered professional.

"The motion brought before the Assembly today calls for the Minister of Finance and Personnel to work to bring forward legislation that compels builders to fit carbon monoxide alarms in all new properties.

"It further calls on the Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety to work to develop and implement a strategy making people aware of this silent killer and what they can do to prevent a tragedy."

Mr McQuillan pointed out that the issue of carbon monoxide poisoning was looked at in depth by a House of Commons All-Party Working Group which reported in 2006.

"Many of their recommendations have been ignored and not adhered to since it was published," he said.

"Whilst the total number of deaths associated with carbon monoxide poisoning is considerably low, averaging at 50 deaths per annum in the United Kingdom, we must ensure that every life can be saved.

"The summer tragedy in Northern Irelaned highlighted the dangers of carbon monoxide and the general public reacted by purchasing alarms.

Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson, admitted during the debate that carbon monoxide detectors alone could not prevent a repeat of the Castlerock tragedy but admitted legislative changes are being considered.