Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I want to refer first to the capacity review. SIPTU expressed very well, as did committee members, that this was an absolute necessity. I was horrified that there has been no capacity review in recent years in the ambulance service. I stand to be corrected if I am wrong. No capacity review informed the HIQA targets which were set some time ago. It is a peculiar way to operate a service. There is a clear demand for a capacity review. I note that it was not referenced in Ms McGuinness's opening statement, but the notion of a capacity review was highlighted in her briefing document to the committee. I welcome that and would like her to record that a capacity review will be undertaken. I would also like her to inform the committee as to the terms of reference of such a review. I would further like her to indicate to the committee which stakeholders she suggests will be involved in the review. It is a necessity that SIPTU and UNITE trade unions are involved. They are key stakeholders in the ambulance service. Patient advocacy organisations should also be included. The HSE should also call for submissions from the public to reflect some of the concerns that are clear in my own community and constituency in relation to the operation of the ambulance service.

I note from the HSE submission that there are 43 additional staff whole-time equivalents to be engaged this year. I also note that the HSE is at an advanced stage in the planning of the Ballyshannon and Tallaght control centres, which is positive. Can Ms McGuinness enlighten the committee as to where those staff will be deployed? Will they be deployed in the control centres or will there be increased personnel numbers on the ground as paramedics and emergency medical technicians to meet the demand which clearly exists? There is a target of 80% in relation to One Echo and One Delta calls. I would like Ms McGuinness to consider with the committee whether that is achievable or not in the context of available resources. I noted at the end of Ms McGuinness's submission the reference to the development of a three-year national strategy. It is important that the capacity review is undertaken in advance of the development of the three-year strategy. It would make sense.

It is mentioned from time to time that if a member of the ambulance service is absent due to illness or other reason, he or she is not replaced. I cannot remember if it was mentioned specifically at today's meeting. The result is that the number of vehicles available in any given area is reduced. Clearly, that has an effect on the service. I understand that it is now policy not to call someone in to replace an individual who is absent. Is that because of resource issues? Absenteeism in the service has been discussed to a certain extent. There may very well be reasons that there is a higher level of absenteeism in the service than in clerical grades. It is a high pressure job, which we all appreciate. Are there regional variations that affect the ability of the service to deliver the level of service required due to absenteeism? If there are high levels of absenteeism, what engagement is there with personnel and the unions representing them to try to address those issues which are clearly affecting individuals and the capacity of the service to operate.