Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 January 2014
749. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the guidelines, regulations and legislative provisions that apply to the regulation of private ambulance and pre-emergency care here; if these are mandatory or voluntary; the measures he is taking to ensure that all providers of pre-emergency care are in compliance with relevant standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55285/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) was established in 2000 under SI 109 of 2000, to replace the National Ambulance Advisory Council. It is an independent statutory body which is responsible for qualifications and examinations in pre-hospital care, ambulance practitioner registration, practitioner fitness to practise matters and the preparation of clinical practice guidelines. The Council also approves training courses and institutions.
In relation to pre-hospital service providers, PHECC inspects providers, including private ambulance services, for the purpose of recognising those providers which undertake to implement its statutory clinical practice guidelines. It is a requirement of PHECC recognition that the provider is in a position to comply with the Council's operating and clinical standards. Provider recognition is not a licensing system, but in practice it would not be possible for a company to operate as an indemnified ambulance service in the State without statutory recognition by the Council. It is understood that PHECC has completed inspections of all private providers in Ireland.
