Medical Aids and Appliances Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 May 2014

Thursday, 15 May 2014

Ceisteanna (283)

Seán Fleming

Ceist:

283. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs 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. [22374/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

The Department of Children and Youth Affairs is located in Mespil Road, Dublin 4. A number of staff have been trained and are qualified to operate the two defibrillators located in the building. Both defibrillators were acquired prior to the establishment of the Department in July 2011. The defibrillators are available during normal office hours only. The use of defibrillators in agencies under the remit of my Department is an operational matter. I have requested the agencies under the remit of my Department (Adoption Authority of Ireland, Child and Family Agency, the Ombudsman for Children's Office ) and the Children Detention Schools to reply directly to the Deputy on this matter.