Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 September 2015
402. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of a recent incident (details supplied) involving an ambulance travelling from Letterkenny General Hospital to Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32743/15]
View answerI am aware of a recent incident where the rear wheels of an ambulance became dislodged while a patient was being transferred from Letterkenny to Galway. I understand that the matter has been fully investigated.
The Deputy may wish to note that the National Ambulance Service (NAS) operates its fleet in line with the requirements of CEN 1789, the European Union standard for ambulances. The NAS has a fleet of over 520 vehicles which travel over twenty million km each year. Fleet management policies in place, minimise, as far as possible, the potential for vehicle failure. Daily vehicle inspections are carried out by ambulance crews, and a defect logging system is in place. Replacement of stock within the fleet runs at up to 15% a year and, in 2015, 62 new ambulances will be added to the fleet, at a cost of €7.5m. The NAS adheres to vehicle manufacturer’s specifications for service schedules and intervals. In line with current manufacturer and warranty requirements, each manufacturer’s main dealer network carries out the majority of heavy maintenance work.
In relation to this specific issue, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.
