asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the need for hospital facilities in the Ballyfermot area of Dublin to cope with urgent emergency cases; and if he will have steps taken to have such facilities made available at an early date, or else to have an ambulance service with a base in Ballyfermot.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Ballyfermot (Dublin) Hospital Facilities.
2.
Mr. Ryan
Accident and other urgent emergency ambulance calls are dealt with by the Dublin Fire Brigade and the ambulance service for the transport to hospital of cases other than emergencies is provided by Dublin Health Authority, their main base being St. Kevin's Hospital. Certain ambulance services are also provided by voluntary agencies.
I have no reason to believe that the emergency ambulance service in the Dublin area, including Ballyfermot, is not prompt and efficient but in any event, I would point out that the responsibility for providing an adequate service is primarily one for the health authority. It would be for that authority to consider whether an additional ambulance base at Ballyfermot would be warranted.