Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

I acknowledge the efforts of volunteers, on whom the success of this programme depends, from every part of the country. The provision of defibrillators is a bottom-up approach. Apart from the funding being provided by the HSE, there are many communities which are making major contributions towards the purchase of defibrillators. Agencies such as Údarás na Gaeltachta have also made a contribution. It is important to have the infrastructure, including defibrillators, in place but it is more important that we have first responders who can provide the service.

Deputy Timmins mentioned the report of the Task Force on Sudden Cardiac Death, which was published in March of last year. Of its 75 recommendations, as the Deputy pointed out, 48 were considered to require immediate implementation. Action has been taken on these 48 recommendations. Currently, the Department and the HSE are in the early stages of developing proposals on how community groups may best be supported and the setting up of first responder schemes, including training and the acquisition of defibrillators. As for the group mentioned by the Deputy in his own county, I will raise this issue with the HSE.

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