Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

On budget day the Minister referred to ambulance service improvements and indicated there would be additional funding, but he did not provide significant detail on that. Will he inform us now whether the mid-west can expect to get additional resources for the recruitment of staff and the provision of new vehicles? As he knows, there has been significant reconfiguration of acute services in the mid-west and, as a result, investment is required in the ambulance system and service. The reconfiguration process received widespread support but it was accepted on the basis there would be a consequent investment in the ambulance service. There is a problem in this regard. There is a shortage of staff and a difficulty with ambulances. Will the Minister enlighten us about funding for this need and when he expects it will happen?

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