Vol. 548 No. 5
227 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children if funding will be approved for the development of an ambulance service in the west Roscommon-east Mayo area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5321/02]
Responsibility for the provision of ambulance services in the Roscommon-Mayo region rests with the Western Health Board. Funding indicated to the board under the national development plan will enable it to advance a range of capital development projects in both its acute and non-acute health services. I understand from the board that the development of an ambulance service in the area referred to by the Deputy is one of a number of areas which are being considered by the board for the development and expansion of the service. It is a matter for the board to progress its capital development projects within the funding indicated to it under the NDP and in the context of its prioritisation of service requirements. Government policy on the development of emergency medical services in Ireland is as set out in a number of policy documents, most notably the report of the review group on the ambulance service, which was published in 1993 and “Building Healthier Hearts”, the Government's cardiovascular health strategy. I assure the Deputy that this Government will continue to pursue a policy of investment aimed at improving key aspects of the emergency medical service.
I am committed to the further development of this vital service in the context of the recommendations of the 1993 report, the implementation of the cardiovascular health strategy and in response to the priorities identified by the health boards. I will, therefore, continue to provide additional resources for the continuing development of the emergency services nationally to ensure that those calling on the service continue to receive timely and appropriate care. In this regard I am pleased to advise the Deputy that revenue funding of €2.852 million was made available to the Western Health Board in the current year in respect of the continued development and maintenance of its pre-hospital care and ambulance service.
