Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 3 December 2021
182. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the status of the capacity review of the National Ambulance Service; his plans to increase resources for the service; his engagement with the Minister of State with special responsibility for Local Government and Planning regarding funding for Dublin City Council to fund the Dublin Fire Brigade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59116/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Emergency Service Baseline and Capacity Review, submitted to Government in May 2016, identified capacity deficits within the National Ambulance Service (NAS). It also noted that there was a shortage of qualified paramedics in Ireland, meaning that capacity must be increased incrementally. On that basis the NAS has been increasing paramedic WTEs year-on-year through implementation of the Vision 2020 strategic plan Since 2016 the total NAS staff complement, including frontline staff has risen by some 16%.
In order to support workforce planning over the longer term, the NAS has commissioned an updated independent analysis of demand and capacity. The results of this analysis will provide greater clarity in relation to staffing requirements over the coming years.
Regarding Dublin Fire Brigade (DFB), as the Deputy will be aware, DFB provides emergency ambulance services in Dublin city and county by arrangement between Dublin City Council (DCC) and the Health Service Executive (HSE). The NAS also provides some emergency capacity within the greater Dublin area. The HSE has been engaged in discussions with Dublin City Council and the DFB regarding funding and service delivery in Dublin. These discussions are ongoing.
