Foster and Wilson support call for carbon monoxide alarms

The Enterprise Minister said: "My deepest sympathies are with the families of Aaron Davidson and Neil McFerran, who lost their lives last week in Castlerock."

The Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland, (HSENI) is continuing its major investigation. The investigation and addressing the concerns of callers to its emergency helpline number, remains HSENI’s priority.

Arlene Foster added: "I share people’s safety concerns about carbon monoxide and I will meet with my ministerial colleague, Finance Minister Sammy Wilson, to determine the legislation required to make carbon monoxide detectors compulsory in new builds.

“This is similar to the provisions that are in place for smoke detectors in new dwellings."

At present there is no compulsory requirement to install a carbon monoxide detector in Northern Ireland or in Great Britain.

Minister Wilson said: "Minister Arlene Foster and I are meeting to discuss, this and other matters this week. We will consider if the regulations for which my Department and DETI have a responsibility, need to be amended to reduce the likelihood of a similar incident happening again.

"My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family and friends of Aaron Davidson and Neil McFerran and I wish Matthew Gaw a speedy recovery."

Arlene Foster continued: "Legislation will take time and I would strongly advise householders not to wait for that legislation but to take action and install a carbon monoxide detector in their home."

Meanwhile, students preparing for the new university term have been warned to check that their accommodation has been properly checked for gas safety.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents [RoSPA] is calling on those who live in rented property to ask for the landlord’s Gas Safety Record.

“This is something for students to particularly bear in mind at this time of year,” said the society.