James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister of State for his helpful and useful reply. He has addressed all the concerns save one, which I am sure he also can address. He has assured Members that the standards of training of those involved are up to those obtaining for psychiatric nurses and allied professionals. While he did not refer to the regulation or inspection of vehicles to be used in transport, I am sure this can be done by way of a directive from the Minister. I seek assurance in the House that there will be regulation and regular inspection. During the previous debate on this issue in the House, I told the Minister of State about the regular ambulance service that was taken over by one company from another. The new owner discovered that 20 drivers of the company he took over did not have police clearance. This constitutes a glaring hole although it pertains to enforcement rather than to legislation. Nevertheless, although a law may not be required, a ministerial directive is. The Minister of State should provide Members with an undertaking today that he will ensure regular inspections and regulations pertaining to the training of companies and associated personnel that might apply in the future before Members have an opportunity to review this issue.

There also should be regulations in place in respect of hygiene training for both vehicles and personnel. This would be for obvious scenarios such as someone getting sick in the back of a vehicle, which then would require a thorough deep clean, or blood contamination. There also should be training in restraint and talking techniques, as well as Garda clearance. If the Minister of State provides an undertaking in respect of these measures, I certainly will not oppose the Bill.

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