asked the Minister for Health whether at present any plans are under consideration for the setting up of ambulance services manned by permanent crews in the various housing schemes in the Dublin area, particularly in view of the fact that many of the outlying areas are a considerable distance from the nearest ambulance service.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ambulance Services.
52.
Mr. O'Malley
I am informed that there are at present no plans for setting up further ambulance bases in the Dublin area. The position is, however, under constant review by the local authorities concerned and should the demand justify it, the provision of extra ambulance centres would be considered.
Is the Minister aware that his predecessor undertook to take this matter up with the Dublin Health Authority and could he indicate what has been the result ?
Mr. O'Malley
Yes. The Dublin Health Authority has intimated that no plan for the dispersion of the home-to-hospital ambulance fleet was being considered at present. The existing set-up, they maintain, is satisfactory to meet the present demand. If conditions materially change, the question of the more widespread distribution of ambulances would be considered.