Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
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Question 482: To ask the Minister for Transport if, in view of the frequent incidences of cardiac incidents with air passengers, he will take the necessary steps to oblige airlines to carry defibrillators on all shorthaul flights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39109/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Aviation is subject to international rules relating to safety matters laid down in the Convention on International Civil Aviation (known as the Chicago Convention) and by the European Union and the Joint Aviation Authority.

The determination of regulatory requirements relating to medical equipment that is appropriate for carriage on aircraft needs to be informed by professional judgement taking account of a range of issues including the state of medical technology, issues relating to diagnosis and appropriate administration of medical treatment, risks arising from inappropriate use of medicines or equipment and the probability of various medical conditions occurring on board. There are clearly also cost considerations relating to equipment and appropriate training of staff that have to be taken into account.

These issues are best addressed in the light of a widely based overview of actual experience of medical conditions occurring on board aircraft by the responsible international bodies. It is difficult for any one country in isolation to assemble the necessary overview and to ensure that there is an appropriate balance between protecting the welfare of passengers and the overall costs. The medical panel of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) is keeping the carriage of defibrillators on aircraft under active consideration.

The IAA is carrying out an investigation following a recent death on board an Irish aircraft. I will consider, in the light of the outcome of this investigation whether any further action on this matter is appropriate. This could for example take the form of an approach to ICAO or the European Commission.