Vol. 449 No. 1
81 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Health if he will provide additional funding to the Midland Health Board for the provision of a 24 hour ambulance cover and two-person crews in accordance with the recommendation of the Report of the Review Group on ambulance services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3288/95]
Limerick East): The ambulance service of the Midland Health Board provides a 24 hour service.
This is achieved by having a driver "on-call" service in place between the hours of 1 a.m. and 8 a.m. However, it is one of the board's priorities to implement a 24 hour "on duty" system as soon as resources permit.
It is a primary objective of my Department that the national ambulance service be upgraded in accordance with the recommendations contained in the Report of the Review Group on the Ambulance Service published in November 1993. These improvements are being implemented throughout the country on a phased basis. The sum of £150,000 was allocated to the Midland Health Board in 1994 for the updating of infrastructure and equipment as recommended by the Review Group.
I will be allocating further moneys to the board this year for the continuation of this programme of improvements in line with the Board's identified priorities regarding its ambulance service.
