asked the Minister for Health the helicopter-ambulance emergency services available in the south west, west and north west regions; if he has satisfied himself that the service is adequate; and whether there are any proposals his Department will make to improve the service.
Written Answers. - Helicopter-Ambulance Emergency Services.
36.
The provision of ambulance services is a matter for each health board in the first instance. With regard to helicopter-ambulance services these are provided to the health boards by the Army Air Corps and health boards may, if necessary also hire commercial helicopters. However, because of the excellent service provided by the Air Corps commercial helicopters are rarely required.
In the areas to which the Deputy refers there has been on average a total of 32 helicopter ambulance missions carried out by the Air Corps each year for the past three years.
All the health boards have expressed complete satisfaction with the service provided by the Air Corps and I am satisfied that the service is of the highest standard and I have no plans to alter the current arrangement.