Health and Safety

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 May 2014

Thursday, 15 May 2014

Questions (91)

Seán Fleming

Question:

91. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of defibrillators that are located in Government offices and buildings under the remit of his Department and those under his aegis throughout the country; if these are available in emergency cases outside of office hours in the community in the locations where they are based; the number and cost of same; if he will consider putting some arrangement in place whereby these defibrillators can be located where the public can get access out of office hours in the interest of health and safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22377/14]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The Department has four Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in the three main offices, Dublin, Athlone and Tullamore. The total cost for the provision of these AEDs (including VAT) was approximately €12,000. Staff in each area have undergone training in the operation of the AEDs. It would not be feasible to allow access to the AEDs outside of office hours.The provision of AEDs in agencies under the aegis of the Department is an operational matter for the agencies and the information on the number of AEDs, if any, is not available centrally in my Department.