John Lyons (Dublin North West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate the Minister's comments.

Unlike a lot of Deputies, I do not go running around the House shouting concern too often, but on this matter I genuinely feel concerned. I am concerned that we are going to throw the baby out with the bathwater here. Dublin Fire Brigade, as I stated already, is the most impressive and exemplary fire service in the country, operating a fantastic, efficient and cost-effective ambulance service for Dublin city - the one that every other citizen in this country should have. I am just a little concerned, to say the least, that any plans for the HSE to be involved in running this service will throw the baby out with the bathwater. I ask that all that can be done is done and that the voices of the Dublin Fire Brigade officers and ambulance officers, who are joint officers, are heard properly, but, most importantly, that the baby not be thrown out with the bathwater. I really do have concerns. As somebody who may need that service in the future, I have complete confidence in Dublin Fire Brigade's delivery of it. Unfortunately, the stories I hear from other places - I have a brother who is in the National Ambulance Service - are a little daunting. I want everybody to have the best service, and Dublin Fire Brigade offers the best service.

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