asked the Minister for Health if he is satisfied that the new arrangement for handling `999' calls in the Dublin area is providing an efficient and safe service; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Handling `999' Calls.
107.
I presume the Deputy is referring to `999' calls for ambulances. Following recommendations made by the Group on Ambulance Control, which I established in 1988, arragements were made for the reception of all `999' ambulance calls from the Eastern Health Board/01 telephone area, at the board's headquarters at 1 James's Street.
These arrangements which were introduced during the latter part of March this year are being run on a trial basis and are being closely monitored by a review group representative of the managements of the Eastern Health Board, Dublin Fire Brigade, my own Department and the Department of the Environment.
Experience to date indicates that there is an overall improvement in the efficiency and effectiveness of the service.