Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 June 2017
1107. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the ambulance crisis in south Connemara, County Galway, in which the ambulance base in Carraroe is frequently unstaffed and unmanned with resulting unacceptable waiting times for an ambulance and in the view of general practitioners on the ground will result in death; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26888/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI met with a representative group from Connemara on 20 February last to hear their concerns regarding ambulance response times in Connemara. The Deputy can be assured that I am committed to the provision of a safe, patient focused pre-hospital emergency care service. The Programme for Partnership Government commits to additional annual investment in terms of ambulance personnel and vehicles. €7.2m additional funding was provided to the NAS in 2016, including €2m development funding. An additional €3.6m has been provided in 2017, which includes €1m to fund new developments.
With regards to the issue raised about the services in Connemara I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy.
