Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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877. To ask the Minister for Health the reason first-aid trainers do not have proper representation on the PHECC council. [35066/19]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The composition of the PHECC Council is provided for under Section 5 of SI No.109 of 2000. While I acknowledge that the legislation does not provide for specific representation on the Council for first aid trainers, the Deputy may wish to note that under Section 5(1)(h), I may appoint three persons

with a special interest in pre-hospital emergency care.

While currently there are no vacancies on the PHECC Council, a number of vacancies will arise in 2020, some of which will be filled through a Public Appointment Service process. It will be open to first aid trainers to make an application for Council membership at that stage, and I would certainly welcome any such application. I expect the Public Appointment Service to commence early in 2020.