Vol. 468 No. 4
128 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Health the measures, if any, he proposes to take to ensure properly trained medical personnel and satisfactory first aid equipment are available at all indoor events held in venues around the country in the wake of a case (details supplied). [14951/96]
Limerick East): The National Ambulance Advisory Council has set down the standards for emergency medical technicians. These standards were published on 19 October 1995 and are presently being implemented. The primary responsibility for the safe running of events such as that referred to by the Deputy rests with the promoters and venue owners. In January this year the Department of Education published a code of practice for safety at outdoor pop concerts and other events. While the code was designed for outdoor events, it states clearly that the parameters for the good organisation of an indoor event are basically similar to the arrangements required at outdoor occasions.
The code of practice, issued by the Department of Education, clearly outlines the detailed requirements in relation to the provision of medical facilities, first aid and ambulances at major events and I would expect that promoters and venue owners would have regard to these guidelines. Investigations are ongoing into a similar tragic occurrence and should these investigations show any deficiency in the present arrangements, the Government will move quickly to remedy the situation.
