Thomas P. Broughan
Question:231. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if defibrillators are available on the entire fleets of Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus. [3117/14]
View answerWednesday, 22 January 2014
Questions (231)
Written answers
The issue raised is a matter for both Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann in conjunction with the Department of Health. The Second Stage of the Public Access to Defibrillators Bill, which sets out the requirement to provide defibrillators in a range of settings and for events which have a regular attendance in excess of 100 persons per day, was passed in the Seanad in June 2013. I understand the Minister for Health has requested the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) to undertake a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) on the practical elements of the introduction of a public access defibrillation programme. This will guide how best to implement the first responder capacity including the requirement to provide defibrillators across many community settings including transport facilities. I have been advised that the HTA has now commenced and will be concluded in 2014.