Seán Haughey
Question:36. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Health if the level of ambulance provision in Dublin can be increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28192/18]
View answerThursday, 28 June 2018
Questions (36)
Written answers
Dublin Fire Brigade provides emergency ambulance services in Dublin city and county, by arrangement between Dublin City Council and the HSE. The HSE National Ambulance Service also provides some emergency capacity in the greater Dublin area. Where required, the NAS provides additional resources from neighbouring counties to address demand in Dublin, including motorbikes, rapid response vehicles and emergency ambulances. In addition, ambulances from other parts of the country, which may be travelling to or from a Dublin hospital, are available to respond to emergency calls in the Dublin area where they are the nearest resource to a patient.
Of course the Capacity Review identified a requirement for increased ambulance resources in the eastern region, which covers Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow. That review underlined the need for a multi-annual programme of phased investment in ambulance manpower, vehicles and technology. In that context, over recent years the Government has provided additional annual investment for ambulance services. This year, an additional sum of €10.7m has been made available which includes €2.8m to fund new developments.
As the allocation of the additional funding is an operational matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly with any further information which may be available.