James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy is aware, three reviews of the national ambulance service are currently under way.

The national ambulance service has commissioned a national capacity review to determine the level and use of resourcing required for a safe and effective service. This independent review is being undertaken by the UK Association of Ambulance Chief Executives, an organisation with considerable international experience in operational and strategic reviews of this kind.

In the context of the development of the single national control and dispatch system, a review of the Dublin Fire Brigade emergency ambulance service is also under way. This review was commissioned by the Dublin city manager and the HSE’s chief operating officer, and is considering all aspects of Dublin Fire Brigade ambulance operations, including the capacity and capability of current ambulance services. The review will inform consideration of the best model for provision of emergency medical services in the greater Dublin area.

HIQA is undertaking a scheduled review of the national ambulance service, examining the governance arrangements for pre-hospital emergency care services, to ensure the timely assessment, diagnosis, initial management and transport of acutely ill patients to appropriate health-care facilities.

The three reviews are being conducted in parallel, in a concerted effort to examine our pre-hospital emergency care services throughout the country, with a view to identifying the best way to enable them to meet the challenges of the future. I am confident the recommendations will guide us in the provision of a modern, forward-looking service, capable of delivering the best possible outcomes for the public.

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