Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 October 2004
175 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the ambulance services are adequately staffed and equipped to meet all eventualities in the foreseeable future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26623/04]
View answerThe Eastern Regional Health Authority, ERHA, and each of the seven health boards are responsible for the provision of ambulance services in their functional areas.
National standards for the ambulance service were introduced a number of years ago by the National Ambulance Advisory Council, the precursor to the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council. The standards cover training and equipment and are currently being updated by the council.
My Department is advised by the health boards and the Eastern Regional Health Authority that adequate numbers of ambulance personnel are employed to respond to current need. The Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council is in the process of introducing an advanced paramedic training programme for ambulance personnel. The provision of this training coupled with forthcoming amendment of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1988 and the Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control) Regulations 1996 will provide a statutory basis for the administration of additional medications and the use of additional medical equipment by ambulance personnel. It is intended that this expanded service will commence roll-out in 2005.
