asked the Minister for Health the representations he has received with regard to unsatisfactory ambulance services in this country; the plans his Department have for improving the ambulance service; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ambulance Service.
9.
Taking the past year, such representations were made on three occasions, all of them concerned with the extension of the service and not directly alleging unsatisfactory performance by the existing services.
The consultative council on the ambulance services has done excellent work over the past few years in bringing about significant improvement in different aspects of the service.
The training programme for ambulance men, which had commenced before the council was formed, has been stepped up and the courses improved. Over 750 ambulance personnel have attended one of the five-week wholetime courses. Refresher courses have also been organised.
The council have done especially valuable work in drawing up new specifications for ambulances and equipment suited to Irish conditions. According as vehicles become due for replacement ambulances conforming with the new specifications are purchased. Over 150 new style ambulances are now in service.
A radio-telephone system has been brought into operation in all areas, the difficulties caused by the mountainous terrain in some areas having been finally overcome.
The next steps are the establishment of communication control centres and the improvement of the administrative organisation. Consideration is being given to the appointment of a small number of officers of senior rank for this purpose.
Would the Minister state what proportion of ambulances are radio-controlled?
All the ambulances are now radio-controlled.