Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 12 May 1992

Vol. 419 No. 5

Written Answers. - Cork City Ambulance Services.

Bernard Allen

Question:

151 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health if he will carry out an investigation into the adequacy of the ambulance services in the Cork city area, especially in view of recent incidents, where lives were at risk and the ambulance service was unavailable because of pressure on it; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Connell)

The provision of ambulance services in the Southern Health Board region is a matter for the Board in the first instance.

A report has already been prepared by the Southern Health Board in relation to a number of ambulance calls which were recently the subject of publicity. I have received a copy of this report from the Board and it is my view that the ambulance service provided by the Southern Health Board is of an acceptable standard, within the context of the resources available.

My Department, together with the Health Boards, is currently undertaking a major review of the ambulance service nationally. It would be intended that the recommendations of the Ambulance Review Group in relation to the provision of pre-hospital care would be taken into account by the Health Boards when considering any future developments in this area.