Ambulance Service Response Times

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 May 2016

Tuesday, 17 May 2016

Questions (651)

Gerry Adams

Question:

651. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health to publish the 2014 National Ambulance Service of Ireland emergency service and baseline capacity review; if he accepts the review's findings and if he has costed the three key proposals contained therein; if the implementation of these recommendations will improve the eight-minute response time from the current 26.6% to 60.6% and the 19-minute response time from the current 67.2% to 81.5%; if he has enacted any of the recommendations; if so, which; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9463/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The National Ambulance Service (NAS) Capacity Review is one of three recent reports on pre-hospital emergency care services, along with HIQA's review of the NAS and the HSE/Dublin City Council review of the Dublin Fire Brigade ambulance service. A draft Action Plan, which incorporates the recommendations of both the HIQA and the Capacity Review, is currently being implemented. The HSE/Dublin City Council review recommendations will be incorporated into the Action Plan once that report is completed.

I intend to bring the Capacity Review to Government this week, after which I hope to be in a position to advise the HSE to proceed with publication. While the overall funding requirement remains to be quantified, it is clear that a very significant programme of investment in our ambulance services is required. In that context, a phased investment in a multi annual programme involving manpower, vehicles and technology is required. The Deputy may wish to note that the Programme for Government commits to additional annual investment in terms of ambulance personnel and vehicles.