Batt O'Keeffe
Question:8 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health the plans, if any, he has to establish a national ambulance council. [11447/96]
Written Answers. - Ambulance Service.
Limerick East): The Review Group on the Ambulance Service was established in October 1991 and comprised representatives of the Department of Health and of the chief executive officers of the health boards. The terms of reference of the group were to draw up a clear statement on the nature and level of service required from the future ambulance service on a national basis. The review group's report was published in November 1993.
One of the review group's recommendations was that a National Ambulance Advisory Council be established to replace the Ambulance Services Council. The overall objective of the National Ambulance Advisory Council is to ensure that uniform standards of service operate throughout the country so that the development of the Irish Ambulance Service keeps pace with good international practice.
I am glad to inform the Deputy that the National Ambulance Advisory Council was established on 18 October 1994. To enable health boards to meet the recommended standards of the council, I have, this year, allocated £3.25 million for ambulance improvements.