Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I am glad to hear the Minister's response. I know he is committed to rural Ireland. I do not mind who provides the service. I will have a meeting with officials from the HSE tomorrow. Some believe it is important to have vehicles equipped with the best of mobile phones and seats to transport them around the country, while others awaiting major heart surgery, some in receipt of social welfare payments of €189 or €200 per week, do not have transport to take them to hospital. I do not mind whether the service is provided under the rural transport scheme or by the HSE. If the HSE cannot do it, I will support the Minister and his Department in their efforts to provide a service. The HSE should not remove the existing service until a new one is in place. I am asking that the Minister discuss the matter with the HSE to ensure patients will obtain transport to take up hospital appointments.

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