Séamus Kirk (Louth, Fianna Fail)

While I do not say this very often, I am particularly disappointed with the response. The script the Minister of State has read could be used in response to any query about an ambulance service anywhere across the country. The query I submitted was specific and referred to serious concerns about the rostering and manpower in the ambulance service in the north east. I wish that those who prepared the response would address the particular points that are being raised because they are raised for very good and genuine reasons. Concern does prevail about the matter. I am not blaming the Minister of State and I admire his versatility in taking responsibility for a number of responses today. However, the situation is very unsatisfactory. I ask the Minister of State to go back to the Department of Health and ask it to re-examine the matter. I would appreciate it if the Department would come back to me with a more detailed and specific response to the query I raised.

See this speech in context