Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 October 2023
173. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if, in view of changes to the recruitment process for qualified paramedics, the competency assessment process for qualified paramedics has undergone a review, following the problems identified by the Oireachtas health committee in January 2023, in particular the multiple-choice questions exam; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46793/23]
View answer174. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if newly recruited qualified paramedics will undertake the same multiple-choice questions as part of their induction program commencing October 2023, as were previously used in the competency exam by the National Ambulance Service in the recruitment process at candidate selection stage prior to 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46794/23]
View answer175. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health his views on the competency assessment process for qualified paramedics by the National Ambulance Service; his views on whether the process is clear and transparent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46795/23]
View answer176. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health to confirm that any competency assessments that newly appointed qualified paramedics to the National Ambulance Service undertake will be appropriately structured, so that each question can be referenced to the PHECC paramedic training standard document; if the questions cannot be referenced to the PHECC paramedic training standard document, if this will be considered suitable grounds for appeal and a re-sit of the exam; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46796/23]
View answer177. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if he will put in place an appropriate appeals mechanism for qualified paramedics newly appointed to the National Ambulance Service, whereby they can appeal the result of an exam; if so, if those wishing to appeal their result will be permitted to view their exam papers or their incorrect answers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46797/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 173 to 177, inclusive, together.
As these are operational matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
