‘Cut VAT on defibrillators for clubs’

A FORMER All-Ireland winning Kerry footballer yesterday called for the removal of 21% value-added tax (VAT) on defibrillators being purchased by sports and social clubs.

Kerry County Council member Michael Gleeson said defibrillators saved lives and clubs should be given every encouragement to purchase them.

Costing around €1,650, the equipment is used to administer electric shock to people suffering cardiac arrest.

Mr Gleeson said it was important to have defibrillators in public playing areas as time was of the essence when dealing with cardiac arrest.

Statistics suggest if a defibrillator is used within two minutes, a person has an 80% chance of survival.

But, the survival rate is reduced by 7%-10% with each passing minute.

The winner of All-Ireland medals with Kerry in 1969 and ‘70, Cllr Gleeson said the removal of the 21% levy would be a positive gesture to those giving voluntary service to society.

“It would give due recognition to the vital role of sporting and social clubs,” he said.

Cllr Gleeson, a Killarney-based primary teacher, also got the support of the council for his call on the Government to provide recreation halls and sports facilities in all primary schools.

While medical experts emphasised the need for action against excess weight in children, he said teachers and schools were not given properly facilities.

“Money spent now on making available proper halls will save much future expenditure on treating health problems,” said Cllr Gleeson.