Mr. Phelim Quinn:

Deputy Fitzpatrick asked the same question. We reported on what the National Ambulance Service provided to us by way of information.

The National Ambulance Service provided us with its policy on fleet replacement and gave us the number of vehicles that fall outside its policy.

The Chairman asked whether those ambulances are unsafe. They fall outside the policy is what we would say. We have been assured that they have been subject to other forms of checks at least to provide certification of roadworthiness. However, the propensity for those vehicles to break down increases when they increase in age and mileage. It is a factual thing and is something that would cause us some concern.

Deputy Fitzpatrick asked us about the move to a national control centre and whether it will be effective. The review team's experts believe it would be an effective measure because it would merge national ambulance services into a single entity. Also, it would provide an opportunity to better integrate the National Ambulance Service with the Dublin Fire Brigade but only if the latter was involved in the project which is why we made such a recommendation.