Vol. 569 No. 4
237 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason Army ambulance cover is not available in Enniscorthy, taking into account that the local ambulance covers 30,000 people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18019/03]
238 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the position regarding the shift proposals recently made to the ambulance drivers in County Wexford; when he intends to have full cover back; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18020/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 237 and 238 together.
The provision of ambulance services in County Wexford is a matter in the first instance for the South-Eastern Health Board. My Department is advised that emergency medical technicians in the South-Eastern Health Board withdrew from on-call and related stand-by duties with effect from 10 May 2003. Emergency medical technicians from ambulance bases in Gorey, New Ross and Enniscorthy are taking part in the industrial action.
My Department, through the Department of Defence, requested the assistance of the Army to provide on-call cover for the duration of the dispute. On foot of this request the Army medical corps agreed to provide on-call cover for the board and is operating two ambulances in the region, one based in New Ross and one based in Gorey. These locations were identified by the board to maximise the assistance being provided by the Army medical corps. I am advised that the board has engaged the services of the Labour Relations Commission and that, under its auspices, talks are under way with SIPTU in an effort to resolve the dispute. I understand these talks are continuing.
