Medical Aids and Appliances Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 May 2014

Thursday, 15 May 2014

Ceisteanna (278)

Seán Fleming

Ceist:

278. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of defibrillators located in Government offices and buildings under the remit of his Department and under his aegis throughout the country; if these are available in emergency cases outside of office hours to 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 to them outside of office hours in the interest of health and safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22383/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table below. The variance in the price of the equipment is explained by the Department availing of discounts and offers by suppliers The cost of the defibrillator in Loughrea will be forwarded to the Deputy at a later date. My Department's officials advise that they are not in a position to consider placing defibrillators in locations where they are available to the public outside of office hours, due to the risk of theft, tampering with, damage to and/or misuse of the defibrillator.  In addition, misuse of the defibrillator by persons other than employees of the Department leading to the injury or death of an individual could result in the Department incurring liability for such an incident.

However, in the case of an emergency, and in non-typical circumstances where the relevant building is open beyond normal business hours, a member of the public may enter the reception area of that building and request the use of the defibrillator from an official of my Department.  In that scenario, officials in my Department will endeavour to provide assistance, with the appropriate use of the defibrillator.  To this end arrangements will be made  to have signs displayed at the  Department’s premises indicating that there is a defibrillator on the premises.

The arrangements for defibrillators in their premises is a matter for the agencies themselves. I have however forwarded your question to the agencies for direct reply to you. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days please contact my private office.

Department Premises	No. of defibrillators	Cost (€) (excl. vat)	Available to public outside office hours
44 Kildare St	1	1,375	No
25 Clare St	1	1,475	No
Leeson Lane	1	1,699	No
Irish Coast Guard, Ballycoolin, Dublin 11	1	1,699	No
Irish Coast Guard, Malin Head, Co. Donegal	1	1,799	No
Clonfert House, Loughrea, Co. Galway	1	will be given at a later date	No
Shannon Town Centre, Co. Clare	1	1,722	No
Total	7