Feargal Quinn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

A few months ago we debated a Bill dealing with the availability of defibrillators. It received a great deal of credit and there was no opposition to it. However, nothing has happened since. The reason I raise the issue now is that I have received a letter from somebody who had a bad experience on a train from Mallow to Dublin recently. The person who wrote to me joined the train at Mallow and a passenger facing him who was with his wife had a heart attack. There was a doctor on board and both he and somebody else tried to help the man, but there was no defibrillator on board. Not alone that, they were unable to get in touch with the train driver, despite doing their best to do so by hammering on the door. The driver did not even hear the intercom. Eventually, somebody pulled the communication cord and the train stopped, but they were one mile short of Charleville and could not get help. Unfortunately, the man died, which was very sad. The reason I mention this is that urgent action must be taken on this issue. Putting defibrillators in place is something we could do at very little cost. All we need is the determination to do it. However, Irish Rail should also have a system for contacting the train driver in cases of emergency such as this. This was a sad, traumatic and horrific incident, but the answer lies in our hands. We have taken the first step, with the Bill dealing with the availability of defibrillators. Let us now ensure we do not drag out further progress. I urge the Leader to discover what is happening with the Bill. Will action be taken and has the Minister agreed to do something about the issue? We have not been led to believe he will grab hold of the Bill and initiate it.