CPR training in schools
Senator Gallagher congratulated schools in Cavan and Monaghan for completing CPR 4 Schools and praised the Irish Heart Foundation. Norris questioned its relevance, but the Chair allowed the contribution to stand.
I acknowledge and congratulate the teachers and students in secondary schools throughout counties Cavan and Monaghan who recently completed the Irish Heart Foundation CPR 4 Schools programme. All secondary schools in County Cavan have completed the programme, with 27 teachers across the county now qualified to teach CPR. The schools in County Monaghan are not far behind, with 83 secondary schools currently engaged in the programme. The Irish Heart Foundation, which I congratulate on its initiative, hopes to roll out the CPR 4 Schools programme to all secondary schools in the country. It is a very ambitious plan to save lives. Schools in counties Monaghan and Cavan are leading the way, on which I compliment them.
It should be noted that there are 5,000 cardiac arrests each year. A person qualified in CPR being close by when a person suffers a heart attack could be the difference between life and death. In any given year, there are approximately 365,000 students in secondary schools and there is the potential for all of those students to become competent in CPR, which could save lives.
While I commend the teachers and students for their passion and initiative, the programme shines a light on the Department of Education and Skills which is not doing its job in regard to CPR and first aid in general. That was one of the main reasons I introduced the First Aid and Mental Health in Schools (Existing Teachers) Bill 2018 and the First Aid and Mental Health in Schools (Initial Teacher Training) Bill 2018 a couple of weeks ago which, thankfully, received the unanimous support of all Senators. I thank them for their support. The Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Bruton, needs to take the lead and ensure students and teachers are fully qualified in first aid. They can be taught nothing more important than how to save a life.
Comment on this
The Leas-Chathaoirleach may wish to inquire of Senator Gallagher, as he did of me, what relevance the issue raised has to the Order of Business.