Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 November 2021
684. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the way the €8 million announced in budget 2022 for the national ambulance service will be allocated; the sub-allocation to measures within this new measures grouping in tabular form; the amount remaining unallocated; the amount which relates to other new measures funding group commitments; if this is included as a whole or pro-rata; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57511/21]
View answerAs part of Budget 2022 the National Ambulance Service (NAS) has been allocated funding of €8.2 million for new developments. Measures identified for support from this funding include:
- provision for staffing increases in line with the recommendations of the 2016 NAS Baseline and Capacity Review, which identified deficits in NAS capacity and the need for phased multi-annual investment in manpower;
- increasing capacity within the Hear and Treat service in the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), which advises lower acuity patients of appropriate alternatives to hospital transfer;
- contributing to the implementation of an organisational redesign that will enhance governance and leadership within the NAS.
In regard to the particular sub-allocation tabular details requested by the Deputy in his question I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to him directly, as soon as possible.
