Mark Wall (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his positive reply. The sum of €650,000 allocated to the OHCA is a positive step forward in this regard. As the Minister of State said, there are a number of initiatives. I referred to one in Enniscorthy in Wexford, what happened in Laois and the initiative by my colleague, Councillor Paul O'Brien, in Wicklow. I ask the Minister of State to take those on board. Every minute makes a difference, and the Minister of State has acknowledged that. We must ensure there is a national register. These AEDs are located in schools, shops and sports clubs. However, as every minute makes a difference, when people and, most importantly, the National Ambulance Service receive a frantic call, they need to know where the AEDs are located. I welcome the fact that work is being carried out on formulating a national register. I ask that it be expedited given what has happened and the fact that people are talking about it at present. Now is the time to ensure that everybody knows where there is an AED, and I call on everybody to share that information as much as possible. I welcome the information given today.