Vol. 533 No. 3
194 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on whether emergency medical technicians operating ambulances are part of the emergency services and thus entitled to emergency status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8666/01]
The ambulance service, together with the Garda and local authority services, in particular the fire service, forms a valued and integral part of the emergency services.
Government 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. Health service agencies are developing their ambulance services in line with the report of the review.
195 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps he will take to improve the service offered by the accident and emergency unit at St. James's Hospital, Dublin 8. [8667/01]
Services at St. James's Hospital, Dublin 8, which include accident and emergency services, are provided under an arrangement with the Eastern Regional Health Authority.
My Department has asked the regional chief executive of the authority to investigate the position in relation to this matter and to reply to the Deputy directly.
