Seán Sherlock
Ceist:484. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health when it is planned to launch a helicopter emergency medical service base in north County Cork. [37420/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 18 September 2018
Ceisteanna (484)
Freagraí scríofa
The Programme for a Partnership Government commits to exploring the feasibility of the expansion of air ambulance services, including the possibility of a second air ambulance base. My Department was approached by the Irish Community Air Ambulance who proposed the establishment of a charitably funded Helicopter Emergency Medical Service based in Co Cork. Following a meeting with me in March 2017, it was agreed that my Department would work with both the Irish Community Air Ambulance and the National Ambulance Service with a view to drawing up an agreed proposal for the establishment of an air ambulance service serving Munster.
There have been extensive discussions between all the parties involved in this project to agree on a service model including the aircraft to be deployed, the proposed base and on all necessary clinical, operational and financial governance arrangements. These discussions are ongoing.