Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
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385. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the estimated amount it would cost to have a defibrillator installed in each Garda station that is open on a 24-7 basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44689/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will appreciate, decisions in relation to the provision and allocation of Garda resources across the various Garda divisions are a matter for the Garda Commissioner in the light of his identified operational demands and the availability of resources. As Minister I have no role in that matter.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the unit capital cost for a defibrillator is estimated at €1,130 (inclusive of VAT). This cost has been identified on the basis of the outcome of a tender competition for defibrillators run in 2017 by the HSE on behalf of the State, in line with Office of Government Procurement policy (i.e. agencies who are the largest buyer of a good or service are best placed to achieve value for money by tendering on behalf of all potential buyers).

I am further informed by the Garda authorities that as of 6 November 2018 there are 116 Garda stations open on a 24/7 basis. It is accordingly estimated that to install a defibrillator in each of these 116 stations would cost €131,080 (inclusive of VAT).