Health Service Staff

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 June 2010

Wednesday, 9 June 2010

Ceisteanna (98, 99)

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

98 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there are a number of advance paramedics here who are suitably qualified and in view of the fact that it is estimated to cost €100,000 to train each paramedic to the advanced paramedic standard; the number of advanced paramedics likely to be needed over the next few years; if the existing cohort of advanced paramedics are sufficient for the proposed service in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24304/10]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

As indicated to the Deputy in my previous response, it was not possible to answer the original question due to industrial action. This industrial action currently remains in place and continues to affect the provision of substantive replies to certain Parliamentary Questions. If the matter raised continues to be of concern, it will be necessary for the Deputy to resubmit the original question again when the current industrial action has been resolved.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

99 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children if it is proposed by the Health Service Executive to have support such as multi-task attendants and other support staff in hospitals and public nursing homes replaced by outsourcing the jobs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24305/10]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.