Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 September 2021
651. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health if there are plans to increase resources at the air ambulance service based at Custume Barracks, Athlone, County Westmeath; the number of missions tasked in each month to date in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43537/21]
View answerThe nationwide Emergency Aeromedical Service (EAS), based at Custume Barracks, is a dedicated service which is provided during daylight hours by the National Ambulance Service (NAS) working in conjunction with the Irish Air Corps. The service is staffed by an Air Corps flight crew, an Emergency Medical Technician and a NAS Advanced Paramedic. Reserve EAS support is provided by the Irish Coast Guard.
The 2015 Government Decision which established the EAS on a permanent basis determined that the service would be subject to review in the context of ensuring a sustainable long term service arrangement. A review into the operation of the EAS is currently ongoing between the Department of Defence and my Department, with the primary objective of ensuring that the EAS remains a suitable, sustainable and resilient service into the future.
In regard to the specific mission tasking data requested, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
