Vol. 526 No. 4
262 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on the recognition of paramedic training for ambulance staff; the need to recognise the skills already attained by staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26876/00]
Policy on the development of emergency medical services in Ireland is set out in a number of documents, including the report of the review group on the ambulance service and building healthier hearts, the Government's cardiovascular health strategy. Since the publication of the report of the review group on the ambulance service considerable progress has been made in the area of training for emergency medical technicians and the Government is now taking steps to implement the recommendations of the cardiovascular health strategy in relation to advanced training.
The pre-hospital emergency care council, which I recently established, will provide a firm basis for the future development of professional standards in the ambulance service and pre-hospital care generally. One of the first tasks of the council will be to address the issues surrounding the development of advanced emergency medical technician training, including the regulatory issues which arise in relation to this. I expect the council to deal comprehensively with all issues in its consideration of advanced training and to provide a detailed implementation plan in the near future.
