Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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Before the Minister of State responds to these points, I note that the community enhancement programme was also used to install defibrillators, which have been of great benefit to communities. However, there is a lack of joined-up thinking in this regard. The Department has provided capital funding for these defibrillators, but these units are of no use without the proper heated boxes to keep them in and trained community responders. I know of a social enterprise in my constituency that would be prepared to assist with training and the capital cost of boxes for defibrillators throughout the country. This enterprise could work with the Minister of State's Department for approximately the same amount that is being spent at the moment. All we are doing at the moment is buying the defibrillators. They are of no use If they are locked in a building between 6 p.m. and 8 a.m. or if the staff are not trained. Joined-up thinking is needed.