Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 June 2022
940. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if there is a grant available for community associations and groups to train volunteers and staff on how to use defibrillators; if not, if she will confirm that her Department will give consideration to providing such a grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31936/22]
View answerSome of my Department's programmes, including the Community Enhancement Programme (CEP) can fund the purchase of equipment such as defibrillators. This programme provides small grants to community groups to enhance facilities in disadvantaged areas. The 2021 CEP is now closed and it is hoped to run another CEP later in 2022, however, details of this programme are not yet confirmed. I would advise the local groups to check www.gov.ie/drcd on a regular basis for updates and to also make contact with their Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) for further details on the programme.
The LEADER Programme is also a source of funding for rural areas and the purchase of community defibrillators may be eligible for LEADER funding. Groups should contact their Local Action Group to determine eligibility.
My Department does not operate a dedicated fund to provide training for volunteers in the use of defibrillators. There are currently no plans to introduce a specific current fund dedicated to this purpose.
