Denis Naughten
Ceist:207 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 633 of 29 January 2003, if this study has been completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17872/03]
Written Answers. - Helicopter Emergency Medical Service.
Jerry Cowley
Ceist:247 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will immediately release the all-Ireland feasibility study into an all-Ireland helicopter emergency medical service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18119/03]
My Department and the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Belfast, commissioned a feasibility study and report on the costs and benefits associated with the introduction of a dedicated helicopter emergency medical services, HEMS, for the island of Ireland.
Preparation of the report is at an advanced stage and it is expected that it will be finalised in the coming weeks. The findings of this report will be considered by my Department, and the DHSSPS, in the context of developments in the emergency medical services generally.