Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Independent)

That is only a device to put the issue on the long finger again. I hope the Minister of State will acknowledge the need for an emergency ambulance service in Carrick-on-Suir and he will make a start to providing that service. St. Brigid's Hospital in the town is the ideal location for such a service while a number of health centres are located in the grounds of the hospital. HSE officials in south Tipperary know well that the current emergency ambulance service cannot meet standard response times when travelling to Carrick-on-Suir. No study or appraisal is needed because the departmental officials are also aware of that. I ask the Minister of State to make a start by agreeing this is an important issue and to provide an ambulance service in Carrick-on-Suir.

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