Gerard C. Connolly
Question:36 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Health the discussions, if any, he has had with the National Ambulance Service regarding parity with other emergency services. [4295/97]
Written Answers. - Ambulance Service.
Limerick East): I would refer the Deputy to replies given on 26 September, 17 October and 11 February on this issue. I have already outlined that the report of the Review Group on the Ambulance Service was published in November 1993. The group, in its report, stated that the ambulance service is an emergency service similar to the Garda and fire service. The report of the review group has been accepted by Government and forms the basis of Government policy in relation to the ambulance service.
While the ambulance service acts as an emergency service in respect of its accident and emergency work, approximately half of all ambulance calls are not of an emergency nature but are related to the routine transport of patients. In addition, classification as an emergency service does not suggest that ambulance personnel are being asked to carry out the same duties as either the fire service personnel or indeed the Garda.
In relation to the pay and conditions of ambulance personnel and controllers in provincial locations, I have clarified the nature of the claim made by SIPTU on behalf of ambulance personnel in previous responses. Briefly, this claim, lodged in 1993, sought parity of pay between the provincial ambulance personnel and their counterparts in Dublin. Final agreement, including concession of this claim for parity, was reached on a package of proposals in December 1996. A ballot on this package was started at the end of last year. For technical reasons on the Union side the ballot had to be rearranged for the coming weeks. It is my hope that this offer will be accepted and that this group's parity with their Dublin counterparts will be restored.