Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2017
770. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if additional resources can be provided to improve ambulance response times in County Monaghan in view of the circumstances outlined in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36875/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra789. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if additional resources can be provided to improve ambulance response times in County Monaghan in view of the circumstances outlined in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36942/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 770 and 789 together.
I wish to express my sympathies to the family of the person concerned.
The National Ambulance Service (NAS) has been undertaking a significant and ongoing reform programme, to reconfigure the management and delivery of pre-hospital care services. This programme will ensure a clinically driven, nationally co-ordinated system, supported by improved technology. I am fully conscious of the need for a multi-annual programme of phased investment in ambulance manpower, vehicles and technology, in that regard €7.2m additional funding was provided in 2016 for NAS including €2m in development funding. This year, an additional sum of €3.6m has been made available which includes €1m to fund new developments.
With regard to the specific incidents raised by the Deputy, as these relate to service matters, I have arranged for the questions to be referred to the HSE for direct reply.
