Barry Ward (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I also welcome the Bill. It is an important recognition of the distinct and singular purpose of life-saving equipment. I join with the Fianna Fáil Senators in acknowledging that is an important aspect that merits a different offence apart from an offence of criminal damage or theft. It is right and proper that section 2 acknowledges the two different types of life-saving equipment, that is, the AED and other life-saving equipment like lifebuoys. Coming from a coastal area, Dún Laoghaire, Dalkey and Sandycove have had issues with lifebuoys being stolen, damaged or burned in one instance in Blackrock. It is entirely appropriate that this would be recognised specifically by its own piece of legislation.

Senator Casey raised the issue of the possible requirement by the Government to amend the legislation. I presume that does not arise given that no amendments have been tabled. I do not have a difficulty with that. One of the nice things about this Bill is that it is quite proportionate. It is not seeking to do anything beyond the norm. The penalty provisions provided for in it still give discretion for summary or disposal, or disposal or indictment. That is welcome.I wonder about the drafting on section 2 regarding the fact that a medical emergency must have been notified to the emergency services. If somebody does not make that call at the time it is used, is it an issue? Still, these matters are within the discretion of the prosecutorial authorities and I would have every faith that they would do the right job.

I also welcome the first responders who are here. Their colleagues in my area of Dalkey and Dún Laoghaire in particular do amazing work keeping us all safe. They deserve credit but they also deserve the protection of the law, which is why this Bill is particularly welcome.