Vol. 430 No. 2
26 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for Health if he intends to establish a national ambulance authority to oversee the State's ambulance service and to ensure that the best facilities are available for patients and ambulance users.
As the Deputy is aware, my Department together with the health boards is currently undertaking a major review of ambulance services nationally. This review is looking at the nature and level of service required and is concentrating on the following main areas: communications, cardiac ambulance services, organisation, management and training in the ambulance service and arrangements for the Dublin ambulance service.
The question of establishing a national ambulance authority is also being considered. The review is ongoing and it is expected that a report will be ready for presentation to me during the summer.
