Mary Harney
Question:180 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Health when he expects to receive the final report of the Standing Committee on Air Ambulance Services. [1207/96]
Written Answers. - Air Ambulance Services Report.
Limerick East): A standing committee on air ambulance services was established under the aegis of the Department of Defence and Health on foot of the recommendations of the report of the Review Group on the Ambulance Service. The standing committee's terms of reference are:-(a) to regularly review the operation of air ambulance services; (b) to ensure appropriate medical input and advice; (c) to specify Protocols in order to obtain maximum cost benefits and ensure the appropriate use of aircraft; and (d) to consider the adequacy of resources for air ambulance missions and jointly put forward any proposals for the improvement of the air ambulance service.
The report of the review group also recommended that the question of having dedicated and purpose-equipped air ambulance aircraft should be considered within the context of the standing committee.
The work of the committee is ongoing and it will be reporting to me on various matters associated with the operation of air ambulance services as required from time to time.