Ambulance Service

Tuesday, 2 November 2021

Questions (882, 883, 884)

Pat Buckley

Question:

882. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health his plans for capacity planning and reform within the National Ambulance Service. [52305/21]

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883. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health the average response time of ambulances in east County Cork; the number of ambulances ordinarily based at each location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52306/21]

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Pat Buckley

Question:

884. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health the number of paramedics assigned to ambulance services in east County Cork; and the optimum number of paramedics that should serve that area. [52307/21]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 882 to 884, inclusive, together.

In 2021 Government secured an unprecedented €187.5m in funding for the National Ambulance Service (NAS), including €10m in new funding for targeted strategic initiatives. Building on this, in Budget 2022, Government has committed an additional €8.3m for NAS new developments.

This funding is demonstrative of Governments commitment to the strategic reform of our ambulance service. In 2022 it will further increase paramedic staff numbers to target capacity deficits, as well as increasing the use of enhanced community initiatives that have the aim of reducing hospital attendances and improving patient outcomes and experiences over the longer term.

I can assure the Deputy that I will continue to support these developments within the NAS and to prioritise strategic measures that contribute to better patient outcomes nationally.

In relation to the specific NAS data requested by the Deputy in respect of East Cork, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Question No. 883 answered with Question No. 882.

Question No. 884 answered with Question No. 882.