The Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors Ireland (APHCI) is calling for an independent public inquiry after it emerged 100,000 illegal boilers have been installed in family homes.

The APHCI, have tried to engage in ongoing discussions with the regulator for some time about the ineffectiveness of the system and reached tipping point with the conclusions reached in the recent CER report forcing them to take action by meeting with the Joint Oireachtas Committee for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.

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Chairman of the APHCI, Sean Giffney said: "Our members have been concerned for some time about the regulators passive approach to tackling the ongoing safety issues and illegal activity in the industry and today we are taking a stand and saying enough is enough. We are deeply grateful that the JOC recognises the seriousness of the issue at hand and we are hopeful that with their help we can finally work towards a system of effective regulation of the gas industry and ensure the safety of thousands of families across the country.

"Thousands of lives are at risk because of an ineffectual system and some 100,000 families and businesses have had boilers installed without the necessary safety certification since the current regulatory system began in 2009. We are meeting with the Committee because we are worried about poor installation standards and the real risk posed to public safety and because we want this problem solved once and for all."

(CD/IT)