Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

My commitment to the continuing development and expansion of the ambulance service is clear from the extent of investment made in the service in recent years. Funding has been allocated by the HSE as part of the fleet replacement policy for the purchase of 67 new ambulances in 2006, 65 new ambulances in 2007 and 50 new ambulances this year. These figures represent a combination of additional and replacement ambulances. The HSE has embarked on a major recruitment campaign to strengthen staffing in the next three years. It has no plans to privatise the ambulance service. Private ambulance companies have traditionally been used to supplement the service provided by the HSE in the areas of non-emergency patient transport, inter-hospital transfers and some emergency ambulance calls. The work provided by private companies represents less than 4% of the total budget for ambulance services.

I do not consider that industrial action by ambulance staff is warranted. The HSE met SIPTU last May and later established a sub-group with a view to developing a national framework agreement on the role and function of private ambulance companies. I am advised that the HSE and Dublin City Council are discussing the requirements for developing an integrated ambulance service in Dublin. This is the best way to make progress. I look forward to the outcome of the deliberations.

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