Michelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Legitimate questions and concerns have been raised on foot of the motion. However, it is ironic that the party across the House is moving it when it has sent the chickens home to roost on this and so many other issues wreaking havoc on society. Out of service to the people and to ensure they are getting a proper ambulance service, the matter must be examined.

I refer to a number of welcome initiatives which have been undertaken by the National Ambulance Service, including the development of an intermediate care service, which is specifically focused on the delivery of inter-hospital transfers. That frees up existing emergency resources to focus on responding to emergency calls. Issues such as the ones to which Deputy Connaughton referred can be tackled this way. Where acute ambulance services are required, they are ring-fenced and the resources are not used for run of the mill work that could be done by lower grade non-health transport.

In my area, I welcome the frequent use of the air ambulance. Ours is the third largest county and there are vast rural areas where there is no way an individual suffering a severe heart attack could get to University College Hospital, Galway within the golden hour to be treated properly. I am aware of many cases in which the air ambulance has been called out and all has been well for the individuals concerned. I am glad to say so. It is a welcome, nuanced approach to the sort of health care sensitivity we need for people in rural Ireland.

I acknowledge the development and support of training for advanced paramedics. Their service means that people can receive treatment and early intervention even before they reach hospital. That can help medical staff in hospitals to do their job and ensure the best possible outcome for patients.

There is no denying there is cause for concern, and certainly in my own county in relation to response times in certain cases. I understand why. There is a personnel problem. If a member of a two-person team goes out sick, there is no overtime available to allow the team to operate with someone else. This is in a vast rural county which has bad roads. The periods of time people have had to wait in some cases are unacceptable.

As part of the review, the cost of the contracts of private ambulance operators must be considered. I am told that the particular contract which affects Mayo, which I understand is a national contract, could be done for half the price by a local operator to the same standard. However, the rules around procurement do not allow it. The challenge is, perhaps, to take money from those contracts and invest it in the direct employment of ambulance personnel.

I pay tribute to the ambulance staff and paramedics on the ground who do a very fine job. Many people have had great experiences with them. I am particularly familiar with the personnel operating in my county. I welcome the review of ambulance services, which is timely. There has been a great deal of scaremongering and we understand how that works in politics. However, we all want to know there is a sound ambulance service. I look forward to the review of response times. I expect resources to be put into the areas, particularly rural areas, that need them on wider bases than size of population.

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