Vol. 526 No. 5
87 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on whether the acquisition of skills in first aid by people generally is desirable; the incentives and/or strategies being implemented by his Department or any other State agency in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27163/00]
I am of the view that the acquisition of skills in first aid is highly desirable. From time to time my Department arranges for the provision of first aid courses for staff members. As an incentive to encourage attendance, the courses are conducted by a professional body and take place during normal working hours. There is no cost involved to the participants.
The report of the Cardiovascular Health Strategy Group recommended that the Health Promotion Unit of my Department should implement appropriate programmes for the public and for patients with cardiovascular disease on the appropriate response to sustained ischaemic symptoms. That report also recommended that my Department should support the Irish Heart Foundation and other voluntary agencies to review and expand CPR training programmes, including training for patients' relatives. These recommendations are in the process of being implemented.
The acquisition of skills in first aid by people employed in State agencies is a matter for the individual agency.
