Written answers

Tuesday, 26 September 2017

Department of Health

Medical Aids and Appliances Expenditure

Photo of Noel GrealishNoel Grealish (Galway West, Independent)
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366. To ask the Minister for Health if there are grants from his Department, the HSE or another Department for community groups to purchase defibrillators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40582/17]

Photo of Simon HarrisSimon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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It is the local community who initiates the setting up of a First Responder scheme or group or the provision of public access defibrillators in their area and a local committee is usually formed to organise and implement these initiatives. The local committee contacts the National Ambulance Service (NAS) and a formal process is undertaken to integrate the group with the NAS.

The NAS continues to support the establishment of new groups around the country and encourages all communities to consider the setting up of such schemes in their areas. The National Ambulance Service is in the process of appointing a Community Engagement Officer in each of the three NAS areas to establish a range of health educational and training programmes, including Basic Life Support within the community and will be developed in conjunction with public health and health promotion staff and key external partners such as the Irish Hearth Foundation and Community First Responder Ireland, as part of a wider commitment to promote the Health and well-being of patients and the general public.

The HSE has been allocated National Lottery Funding for distribution to community based groups and voluntary organisations. Groups and organisations involved in the provision of Health and Personal Social Services can apply to their Community Heathcare Organisation (CHO) for once off funding of between €500 and €10,000 for suitable projects.

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