The procurement of defibrillators and subsequent training is a matter for each individual club in the first instance. I am aware however, that a number of National Governing Bodies of Sport have schemes in place to support their club networks in relation to cardiac care, screening and defibrillator training. The GAA’s Community Heart Programme, the FAI’s Heart Care Programme and the IRFU’s Safe Rugby programme are excellent examples of proactive supports to assist clubs and members to participate safely in sport. At a local level, the network of Local Sports Partnerships throughout the country deliver education and training opportunities across a broad range of areas to local sports clubs and community groups. This includes First Aid Workshops, which typically cover CPR and/or Defibrillator Training as part of the content. Defibrillators situated at sports clubs are generally also for community use and funding is also available through the HSE’s National Lottery grants schemes and other Community grants schemes.
In relation to my Department, the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and physical recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. Grants are available for a wide variety of capital works and non-personal sports equipment including first aid kits and defibrillators.
While the 2020 round of the Programme closed in March of this year, there is a commitment in the Programme for Government to continue the programme. A decision on the timing of the next round of the Programme will be taken once the grants under this current round are finalised.
Any organisation that has not already registered with the Department and wishes to apply for funding in the future must first register on www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie. Organisations must have a tax registration number from the Revenue Commissioners if they wish to register.