Ambulance Service

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 June 2022

Thursday, 2 June 2022

Ceisteanna (372, 373)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

372. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if he will re-categorise intermediate care operators from general support staff to ambulance staff or a more appropriate category which reflects the changing nature and responsibilities of the role and enhanced skills this requires, in view of the increasingly enhanced role which intermediate care operators perform within the National Ambulance Service and the increasing frequency of ICOs being dispatched to emergency calls rather than patient transportation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28602/22]

David Cullinane

Ceist:

373. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if he is concerned by the increasing use of modified intermediary care vehicles (details supplied) as makeshift ambulances by the National Ambulance Service; if the use of such vehicles as ambulances is consistent with national policy, safety standards or Road Safety Authority standards in relation to medication policy and emergency lights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28603/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 372 and 373 together.

As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Question No. 373 answered with Question No. 372.