First Aid Services.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 September 2004

Wednesday, 29 September 2004

Questions (571)

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

753 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 76 of 22 June 2004, if he will consider the introduction of a Good Samaritan Act to give exemptions from liability for persons who render emergency treatment with a portable defibrillator in order to facilitate a volunteer system in which defibrillators can be placed and used in rural communities, large offices or commercial buildings. [21394/04]

Written answers

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

There are no plans to introduce a general exemption from liability for persons who undertake Good Samaritan acts. My Department and the State Claims Agency are examining proposals from a number of health boards to have the clinical indemnity scheme provide cover for first responder schemes established and operated by these boards. These will cover schemes providing appropriately trained volunteers with defibrillators.