Maria Byrne (Fine Gael)
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I apologise that I was not here for the opening statement but I read it and the report. I thank the witnesses for being here today. One thing that has come up clear to me from the conversation here is the shortage of paramedics throughout the country. I know that the National Ambulance Service is educating and expanding the numbers but perhaps the witnesses will comment about the risk to patient safety as a result of those shortages.

I am based in Limerick and we have the pathfinder service 352. It is working in Limerick and in Cork. Is it something that should be rolled out across the country? I think it is only in those two areas. It seems to be working in some cases.

I also wish to raise the issue of hospital offload delays, especially around UHL. We often see ambulances stacked up in the car park there with patients on board waiting to get into the hospital. Is something being done to address that? These are my first three questions.