Medical Aids and Appliances Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 May 2014

Tuesday, 27 May 2014

Ceisteanna (45)

Seán Fleming

Ceist:

45. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Taoiseach the number of defibrillators that are located in Government offices and buildings under the remit of his Department 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 access them out of office hours, in the interest of health and safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22392/14]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

There are currently 2 defibrillators in my Department, located on separate floors in Government Buildings. They were purchased in January 2011 at a total cost of €3,025.

The National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO), which is under the remit of my Department, shares accommodation with a number of other government bodies, including the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE). NESDO have 2 defibrillators which were purchased at a cost of €3,488, plus installation costs.

For health and safety reasons these defibrillators can only be used by trained staff in the Department.