The HSE National Ambulance Service (NAS) is not a static service. It deploys its resources in a dynamic manner and works on a regional and national, not a local, basis. The dynamic deployment of ambulance resources ensures that the nearest appropriate resource is mobilised to the location of any incident. In this context, any removal of overtime inefficiencies will be addressed through more efficient deployment and utilisation of resources.
The Deputy may be aware that, following a referral to the Labour Court under the Public Service Agreement, the NAS is progressing a number of efficiencies arising from the Court's decision. These operational efficiencies include the removal of on-call arrangements in rosters, where ambulance staff are not actually on duty in ambulance stations or vehicle but must be summoned for a 999 call. This means that it could take over 20 minutes for an emergency ambulance to leave its station after the crew has been tasked. All parties accept that, in accordance with a Labour Court recommendation, providing ambulance services under on-call arrangements should cease. As the Deputy's query relates to operational matters for the Health Service Executive, this question has been forwarded to the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy.
