Ambulance Service

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 February 2023

Wednesday, 8 February 2023

Questions (53)

John Lahart

Question:

53. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if ambulance drivers are governed by the same working time directives as other workers employed to drive vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5734/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

The Organisation of Working Time Act (OWTA) 1997 transposed the original EU Working Time Directive (Directive 93/104/EC) – now consolidated by EU Directive 2003/88/EC – into Irish law. The EU Working Time Directive is primarily a health and safety directive and its purpose is to lay down common minimum safety and health requirements for organising the working time of employees in all EU Member States.

In relation to your question regarding ambulance drivers, I can confirm that they are indeed within the scope of the OWTA.

However, in accordance with the Organisation of Working Time (General Exemptions) Regulations 1998, the provision of ambulance, fire and civil protection services are exempt from sections 11,12,13 and 16 of the Act.