Jimmy Harte (Labour) | Oireachtas source

Even less. It would not be a lot of money if the club raised €1,000 and the local authority, HSE or Department chipped in also. It is important that we have the facility because, without such primary care, an increasing number of people would be dead or suffer from heart attacks causing severe damage.

Having spoken to a local cardiologist in Letterkenny, I learned there are not as many heart attacks as there were years ago because of intervention, such as stents, and better lifestyles. However, when a heart attack does happen – it can happen to both young and old – a defibrillator is invaluable. The cardiologist said heart disease is very much a genetic phenomenon and that the problem with the gene pool is that there is no lifeguard. Many people walking around today are quite fit and healthy but they may have an underlying heart condition that will not be detected until they collapse in the street. The first 30 minutes are so important to survival. By the time an ambulance reaches west Donegal or south Kerry, it is probably too late. This is why defibrillators are required. I am sure that all French and other European towns have a defibrillator. One could not miss one in the square. If somebody does collapse, there is always someone in a crowd of 100 people who has CPR training or who is a doctor or nurse. One can be sure that someone will have the necessary experience. There is no point in placing a defibrillator on top of a mountain but it is very important that they be in busy areas where people congregate.

I fully support the Bill. We have a new supporters club and we are talking about raising money for charity. This may be one area in which money could be raised. It could be given to schools for clubs, which could raise the remainder themselves.