Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 2 December 2014

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children

Ambulance Service Review: Health Information and Quality Authority

5:20 pm

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I thank HIQA for its report and thank Ms Dunnion, Mr. Quinn and Mr. Whelan for attending. The debate has been very enlightening. We all recognise there has been a significant change in the ambulance service. As Deputy Maloney has said, it is important that we pay tribute to the staff who have changed the modus operandiof the service, from transporting people to now responding, taking care of and looking after people. We should acknowledge the work done by the people who work in the ambulance service, and very often in difficult and trying services. It is right to express our appreciation to them.
In terms of reports, we have today's report and there are two further reports in the pipeline. It is in that context that I propose, and as a result of this meeting, pending the review and subsequent to the review, we should invite the National Ambulance Service, the HSE and Dublin Fire Brigade to attend a meeting at a date to be finalised. The purpose of the meeting would be to continue, as HIQA has done already, monitoring the ambulance service. Is that agreed? Agreed.
Having listened to today's report three issues arose. First, a need for co-operation and integration between the National Ambulance Service and Dublin Fire Brigade. Second, an audit must take place. Third, we should focus on improving measures.
HIQA cannot compel anyone to act on its recommendations but it is important that they are acted upon.

I hope the culture within the Health Service Executive, HSE, will be to accept, as Mr. Quinn noted, the recommendations with a view to improving the service. Does Deputy Regina Doherty wish to ask a question?