Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 271: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the reason, particularly in view of several tragedies throughout the island of Ireland, she has not established a grant system to allow sports clubs and voluntary organisations assistance in purchasing automated external defibrillators; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25652/07]

Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Report of the Task Force on Sudden Cardiac Death, 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. My Department and the HSE have been discussing the development of proposals on how community groups might be supported in setting up first responder schemes, including the acquisition of defibrillators and training. Any such proposals are a matter for the HSE to prioritise and, if necessary, include in its service plan and funding bids.