Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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Question 39: To ask the Minister for Tourism; Culture and Sport the number of institutions that fall within his remit; the number of these institutions that have defibrillators; the number of these defibrillators which are operational; the number of staff in each of these institutions trained to use a defibrillator; the names and location of any of these institutions that are without a defibrillator; the names and location of any of these institutions that are without staff that can operate a defibrillator. [10613/11]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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I assume the Deputy's question refers to the eight national cultural institutions that come within the remit of my Department. I am advised that each of them, with the exception of the Chester Beatty Library in Dublin, the National Archives in Dublin and the Crawford Art Gallery in Cork, has defibrillators in place and that all of the defibrillators are operational. It should be noted that the three institutions that do not have defibrillators have staff that are trained in the use of defibrillators and are examining their options with regard to the purchase of such devices. I will give the specific details sought by the Deputy. The National Museum of Ireland has four defibrillators and 22 staff are trained to operate them. The National Library of Ireland has four defibrillators and ten trained staff. The National Gallery of Ireland has three defibrillators and 51 trained staff. The National Concert Hall has one defibrillator and eight trained staff. The Irish Museum of Modern Art has two defibrillators and 12 trained staff. While the Chester Beatty Library has no defibrillator at present, six staff are trained to operate such equipment. In the case of the Crawford Art Gallery in Cork, which also has no defibrillator at present, seven staff are trained to operate such equipment. Three members of the staff of the National Archives are trained to operate defibrillators. I hope it may be possible to ensure defibrillators are provided at these institutions at an early date.

Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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There is anecdotal evidence that some private leisure centres which cater for all age groups do not have defibrillators or do not have adequate trained personnel to operate defibrillators. I remind the Minister of the importance of defibrillators being available in public places and workplaces. Will he commit to promoting the installation of defibrillators, and the training of personnel in their use, across all bodies covered by his Department?

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy's question has brought attention to the fact I am responsible for three institutions that do not have defibrillators. Obviously, they will be asked to provide such equipment. I agree with the Deputy on the question of the broader availability of defibrillators. I know people whose lives were saved because of the presence of defibrillators. It is important that people know how to use them where they are provided. It is important that continuous training and refresher courses on the use of the defibrillators are provided as improper use can cause harm. Such equipment is required at locations where large numbers of people congregate, including sporting and cultural events. A significant number of staff in the various national institutions have been trained in the use of defibrillators and trained staff are available in the three cultural institutions which do not have defibrillators. I hope this equipment will be provided as a result of Deputy McLellan raising the matter.

Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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When does the Minister expect the equipment will be provided?

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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The issue has now been highlighted in the House. Defibrillators are inexpensive but important equipment. The National Gallery of Ireland and the National Library of Ireland each have four defibrillators and the National Museum of Ireland has three of them. There is no reason, therefore, that the Crawford Art Gallery in Cork should not have such equipment, especially given its significant throughput of people. A large number of people were present when I visited the gallery recently and the current exhibition is attracting a large number of visitors. It is important, therefore, that the Crawford Art Gallery would have a defibrillator.