James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputies for raising this matter. Given the circumstances of what happened in the tragic case mentioned, I do not know if moving back to the old system would have addressed the problem. Both Deputies have made the point that we have a serious problem in terms of communication. Proper communication is essential in delivering any service. The centralisation of this service will allow for translation facilities to be put in place. I will aggressively pursue the issue of technology in terms of the use of GPS, given that most people have mobile phones. I am given to understand from early inquiries, however, that the technology is not at a level in the country to do this in a rapid way, which is very important. I accept that we should be looking to make such an investment to give the people the assurance they need that the service will be as efficient as possible and that we will remove, as much as possible, the room for human error, particularly when it comes to issue of communication. It is utterly understandable people are completely traumatised in situations where a loved one is in terrible danger and if there is also a language issue, that complicates the matter. I reiterate that we will certainly have this issue further interrogated and have a solution put in place to provide further reassurance. I again express my deepest sympathy to the family in question on their terrible loss.

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