Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

I understand Deputy Deenihan's question but he appears to have a misconception of what is meant by the golden hour. The golden hour is the availability of immediate medical treatment and, as I said in my initial reply, any Irish patrol going out on operation will be accompanied by one or more medical officers and a number of other people who are medically qualified, some of whom will be paramedics. They will be available to provide treatment immediately. We have found that in many cases the patient needs to be stabilised, even if they have to be taken to a level 1 or level 2 hospital subsequently. That is the reality on the ground.

Deputy Deenihan asked if I was aware of the situation and I have discussed it with various people. As late as this morning, I discussed the matter with the Chief of Staff and the operation commander, Lieutenant General Nash. They have both assured me, and asked me to communicate to the House, that they are perfectly satisfied with the arrangements in place. In fact, in so far as the travelling times are concerned, I recall——

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