LOCAL public representatives are calling for Automated External Defibrillators (AED) to be installed in all schools following an incident on the Northside recently.
Tim O Tuachaigh, the principal at Gaelscoil Ros Eo in Rush, used an AED to revive a nine-year-old pupil who collapsed in the playground following a cardiac arrest.
Following the incident Fianna Fáil’s Seanad Spokesperson for Youth Affairs, Senator Lorraine Clifford-Lee called on Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton, to examine the provision of life-saving defibrillators in primary and post primary schools nationwide.
“The Department of Education must recognise the importance of this life-saving equipment for the tens of thousands of school pupils across the country,” said the Northside senator.
“This young boy only survived because the school he attends happens to be temporarily relocated in our local GAA club which had been kindly provided with a defibrillator by a pizza company. There is no doubt that this AED saved the boy's life.
“Defibrillators or AED equipment are currently not provided in schools. This shocking and traumatic incident has highlighted a glaring gap that must be addressed.
“The Department of Education must explore the possibility of introducing them in schools.”
Senator Clifford-Lee said the current capitation fee provided to schools doesn’t even cover basic requirements and could not possibly cover the cost of a defibrillator.
“I will be following up on this matter with the Minister directly over the coming weeks and offer my support (for) any campaign and initiative to see AEDs installed in schools to protect children and ultimately save lives,” she added.
Dublin Fingal TD Brendan Ryan (Lab) echoed Senator Clifford-Lee’s call.
“There should be a programme put in place to provide defibrillators to all our schools,” said Deputy Ryan.
“It's a vital modern day piece of life savings equipment. We have them in Leinster House so why not our schools.
“Having defibrillators in schools should be the equivalent of lifebuoys beside lakes.
“Installing defibrillators in schools could be rolled out over a number of years, with appropriate training for teachers and school staff. It's essential to the modern day first aid kit.”
A spokesperson for the Department of Education told Northside People: “Under the provisions of the Education Act 1998, the board of management is the body charged with the direct governance of a school.
“The decision to install a defibrillator is made at local school level and is a matter for the board of management of each individual school.”