Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We need fewer reviews and more action. That is the bottom line in respect of this matter. The "Prime Time" programme exposed the extent of the crisis relating to the ambulance service. That crisis is a direct result of cuts introduced under the stewardship of this Government and the one preceding it. Does the Minister share the huge public concern that exists with regard to the total inadequacy of the emergency ambulance cover available across huge swathes of this country? I refer here to the provision of ambulance services and the number of trained personnel and not to the quality of those working at the coalface within the ambulance service and who deserve great plaudits. Is it acceptable that ambulances often arrive too late and that people, including those I have known and who were dear to me, have died as a result? Is it acceptable that the target times set by HIQA are not being met? The times to which I refer have been changed and increased by the HSE. Is it acceptable that last year only one in every three people with life-threatening conditions were responded to by the ambulance service within the target times set?

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