Cecilia Keaveney (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 62: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her plans to expand the availability of defibrillators throughout the rural communities through the existing Red Cross network or another source; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5865/07]

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 Report of the Task Force, published in March 2006, makes recommendations on the prevention of sudden cardiac death and on the detection of those at high risk.

The Task Force supports the establishment of first responder programmes and recommends that priority should be given to programmes, geographical locations and facilities identified as having the greatest need. All programmes should be coordinated by the HSE ambulance services, with best practice guidance from the Pre Hospital Emergency Care Council.

The Task Force also recommends that Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) should be placed in facilities where the incidence of cardiac arrest is high, including inpatient health facilities, G.P. surgeries and primary care facilities, airports, shopping centres, major sports venues and golf courses, bus/rail terminals, ferries/ferry terminals, concert and conference venues, universities and colleges, gyms and fitness clubs, and other venues for major public events

Where funding for AEDs or first responder schemes is required, the Health Service Executive, which has overall responsibility for the implementation of the report's recommendations, may consider such applications.