Vol. 461 No. 3
23 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Health when the Standing Committee on Air Ambulances was set up; the reports and recommendations, if any, that have been made by the Standing Committee to date in respect of dedicated and purpose equipped air ambulance facilities and services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2739/96]
Limerick East): A standing committee on air ambulance services under the aegis of the Departments of Defence and Health was set up in mid-1995 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 committee is currently engaged in an examination of all the options regarding the most appropriate arrangements for the provision of air ambulance services, having regard to the recommendations of the ambulances review group, with the aim of ensuring that all available resources are utilised in the most cost effective manner possible.
The committee has not as yet made any reports or recommendations in respect of dedicated and purpose equipped air ambulance facilities and services.
