The Minister for Social Development is being urged to put in place safety requirements for electricity and gas in private sector buildings.

SDLP East Derry MLA John Dallat said since the deaths of Neil McFerran and Aaron Davidson, both 18, who lost their lives to carbon monoxide poisoning, no new measures have been put in place.

Mr Dallat said: "The current Minister for Social Development has been in place for a short time only and I don't blame him for the unacceptable delay in bringing forward this vital legislation.

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"There is a clear need to make clear the responsibilities of private landlords in relation to both gas, electricity, fire safety measures and the provision of carbon monoxide safety measures.

"When Neil McFerran and Aaron Davidson lost their lives and their friend Matthew Gaw was lucky to survive, there was a clear commitment that safety in the private sector would be cleared up and stringent legislation would be put in place to ensure that requirements weren't simply implied or unspoken but enshrined in law.

"That hasn't happened and it is an indication of the inability of this Assembly to bring forward legislation which will protect the increasing number of people who are dependent on the private rented sector for accommodation."

(CD/JP)