Ms Laverne McGuinness:

Deputy Sandra McLellan raised a number of questions regarding HIQA and its targets. The targets set by the HSE for 2013 were 70% and 68.9% in regard to annual calls. In 2014 we have increased the target to 80%. We delivered almost in full on the 2013 target, with a rate of 69.5%. On whether the targets were realistic and achievable, we set out a trajectory over a number of months for each region for their achievement in order that we would be able to reach them by the end of the year. The targets are set out on a region by region and quarterly basis. A performance improvement plan has also been put in place for each of the regions and specific areas are being targeted in order to monitor the improvement process for call taking and despatch and crew mobilisation times. On the question of crews being on call or on duty, the 20 minute delay in getting somebody is taken into account. The targets also include emergency and intermediate care vehicles. All of these factors are part of a responsive process improvement plan aimed at delivering on our target of 80% by the end of the year in each of the areas and regions. Our objective is to respond to as many patients as we can.

Deputy Denis Naughten referred to the first responder targets and asked why we did not publish the data. The first responder target is seven minutes and 59 seconds. Until we get the new computer system up and running as part of the new control centre, our system will not be sophisticated enough to capture all of the relevant information. Community responders include people like the Deputy and me operating from our homes. We do not have the technology to capture all of that information on a geographical basis. However, it is in our plan for implementation and when we have accurate data, we will certainly publish them. We have collected data in this regard, but they are not accurate because they are only representative of those who report that they responded.