Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2020
443. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health if his Department has evaluated that financial support that can be provided for an air ambulance; if his Department is actively working on ways in which it can ensure the long-term viability of this vital service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11991/20]
View answer541. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if funding will be provided to an air ambulance service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12493/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 443 and 541 together.
The Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) provided by Irish Community Rapid Response (ICRR) is underpinned by a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with the HSE. This SLA was agreed by ICRR and the HSE on the basis of a charitably funded partnership arrangement, whereby ICRR fund the aircraft and pilot, and the National Ambulance Service (NAS) provides clinical staff, equipment and consumables.
It was never envisaged that Government funding would be required, or would be available, to subvent ICRR, and the decision to proceed with the service arrangement was contingent on the contribution of the charity to the cost of the operation of the service. Any decision to provide exchequer funding would thus be dependent on detailed consideration by the NAS/HSE and the Department of Health of the service need and potential costs. Such a decision would also be subject to public procurement rules.
ICRR and the NAS have been working collaboratively to examine all options to protect the service within the terms of the SLA, including in relation to difficulties in continuing the service in the context of COVID-19.
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that ICRR has recently informed the NAS that, following an internal review of costings, ICRR Air Ambulance has recommenced a seven-day service from the 1st June 2020.
