Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 October 2023
532. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health to review (details supplied); the funding that is in place for defibrillators and local voluntary groups of Red Cross; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44858/23]
View answerAutomated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are available in many locations across society under the management of various organisations. AEDs are among the various items eligible for funding under the Sports Capital & Equipment Programme (SCEP).
The SCEP is operated by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and provides grants to assist in the development of refurbishment of sports facilities and the provision of sports equipment. Grants are available to voluntary, not-for profit sports clubs, community groups, national governing bodies (NGB), and local authorities. Third level colleges, Education and Training Boards (ETB), and schools may only apply for funding jointly with sports clubs or organisations. The SCEP aims to assist voluntary and community organisations, NGBs of sport, local authorities and ETB and schools to develop high quality, accessible, safe, well-designed, sustainable facilities in appropriate locations and to provide appropriate equipment to help maximise participation in sport and physical recreation.
In addition, funding is also available through the HSE’s national lottery grants schemes and other community grants schemes. At a local level, the network of local sports partnerships throughout the country delivers education and training opportunities across a broad range of areas to local sports clubs and community groups. This includes first aid workshops, which typically cover CPR and-or defibrillator training as part of the content.
From the 1st of January 2023, my Department through the Department of Finance removed VAT from AEDs to make the cost more feasible for groups, organisations or individuals looking to purchase an AED.
