Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

Deputy Cowley is always outraged. Every time I reply to his questions, I get the same response. Last year, the HSE received an extra €1 billion, a 10% increase in resource allocation. I do not divvy up these moneys as autonomy and authority for them are vested in the HSE as a result of an Act passed by the House. It is the HSE's responsibility to use that money to provide for the transport needs of patients on a priority basis.

I want the HSE to examine alternatives to the traditional ambulance transport to hospital facilities, particularly where long distances are involved. We must be innovative in how we transport people to hospital. On some occasions, it may be possible to transport the medics and the diagnostics away from Galway city and closer to where the patient lives. If the case referred to by Deputy Cowley is common, it may be more cost-effective to bring the doctor and diagnostics closer to Belmullet. I accept the considerably long distance between Belmullet and Galway. The number of people receiving transportation in the west has gone up by 48% in two years and the cost by 51%. An extra ten crew members have been added. There has been an increase from three ambulances on a 24-hour basis to nine and 13 additional ambulances have been provided for the region.

I accept challenges and deficiencies arise in how patients travel for treatment. Earlier, in response to Deputy Lynch, I pointed out more must be done on a community level, particularly for patients with particular chronic illnesses. They are all required to come to the regional hospital for treatment, a model not used in other countries. It does not suit Ireland's circumstances. It is neither cost-effective nor suitable for patients' convenience. That is why one of the priorities this year will be to beef up community-based services that can provide greater supports to patients and minimise the need for them to enter the acute hospital system.

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