Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 156: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if, in view of the growing number of deaths from sudden death syndrome of young persons, she will make it a requirement that before these persons are allowed to participate in sport they should have an annual fitness certificate; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a simple ECG test could have saved the life of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8 or at least create an awareness in schools and clubs of the symptoms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27743/05]

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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In September 2004 a national task force on sudden cardiac death was established in order to address the problem of sudden cardiac death in Ireland. The task force, chaired by Dr. Brian Maurer, will make recommendations on the prevention of sudden cardiac death and on the detection of those at high risk. The task force will also advise on equipment and training programmes to improve the outcome in those suffering from sudden cardiac collapse and on the establishment of appropriate surveillance systems.

I understand that the task force has been involved in widespread consultation and that a report is currently being finalised. The recommendations of the task force will inform future policy in this area.