ASSEMBLY DEBATE ON SMOKE DETECTORS A MISSED OPPORTUNITY SAYS UUP
Ulster Unionist Department of Social Development spokesman Michael Copeland today said that the Assembly debate which called on the Departments of Health, Social Services and Public Safety and Finance and Personnel to ensure the provision of working smoke detectors in every home was a missed opportunity.
Gas detectors, particularly in Social Housing were as much of a priority as smoke detectors he said,
“While I fully understand the merits of the Assembly motion and that smoke detectors are of vital importance in saving lives, I believe that an opportunity was missed to ensure that gas detectors were also included, particularly in Social Houses.
In East Belfast a common complaint our offices deal with is leaking gas in Housing Executive properties. Often most cases turn out to be small leaks, but gas, as an invisible killer, can have devastating consequences. I believe that both departments mentioned today should also consider the provision of gas detectors initially to Social Housing followed by all other gas receiving households at a later date.”