Peter Roche (Galway East, Fine Gael)

I thank Mr. Healy for his opening statement and thank the panel for attending this morning. It would be wrong not to acknowledge the job. Anyone who witnesses the ambulance crews who attend tragic incidents like road traffic accidents can see that the job is very compelling. It is one that a lot of people would not do, given its nature. I say that hand on heart because from time to time we all witness ambulance crews attending very sad and tragic situations and I want to acknowledge that.

I do not have a copy of the opening statement in front of me but I was heartened to hear Mr. Healy say that there was an investment of €126 million in the fleet and service. In terms of recruitment, given what I have just said about the nature of the job, is it easy to recruit staff or is it quite difficult to recruit adequate numbers? Mr. Healy mentioned that there are 442 students.