Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 April 2022
248. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Finance if defibrillators are installed in all offices and buildings accessible by the public in his Department, and public bodies and agencies that operate under his remit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19170/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that my Department offices are not open to the general public, with the exception of approved appointments. However, these offices under my remit are equipped with defibrillator devices which are portable and can be transported in an emergency situation for use if required.
The position in relation to the bodies under the aegis of my Department which are accessible by the public is set out below.
The Central Bank has a defibrillator on all floors of its building, including those where the public can access. The Investor Compensation Company DAC shares the premises with the Central Bank.
The Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal (DDMBA) is a board of medical practitioners and has no employees or premises. The DDMBA operates through The National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH), which provides all functions including facilities, IT infrastructure and staffing to facilitate it in carrying out its remit. Any costs are then reimbursed to the NRH by my Department.
The Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO) leases its public offices at Lincoln House, Lincoln Place, Dublin 2. There are no defibrillators currently installed at this location, however the FSPO keeps all health and safety matters under review and is committed to its compliance with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005 (“the Act”) as well as all other health and safety legislation relevant to the organisation. In this regard, the FSPO has developed a Health and Safety Statement in accordance with Section 20 of the Act and has an established Safety Committee and Health and Safety Officer, tasked with monitoring health and safety in the workplace.
I am informed by the Office of the Revenue Commissioners that all of its public offices have defibrillators installed and have staff trained to operate them.
Finally, the Tax Appeals Commissions has confirmed that a defibrillator is installed with staff members qualified to use it.
