Ambulance Service

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 May 2012

Wednesday, 9 May 2012

Ceisteanna (215)

Tom Fleming

Ceist:

219 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will give official recognition and support with availability of qualified paramedics from his Department to Air Ambulance Ireland enabling the charitable organisation to provide an essential and much needed helicopter emergency medical services which is in operation in practically all other EU countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23396/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health (Deputy James Reilly)

In 2011, I initiated a review of the available options for aeromedical support of the National Ambulance Service in delivering emergency services in the west of Ireland. I intend to make an announcement shortly on the introduction of a pilot service to allow the HSE to establish the type and level of service, if any, that is required in the region.