Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The budget of the National Ambulance Service will be increased for next year and was increased by approximately €5 million this year. Additional ambulances will be purchased, but how the funding and ambulances will be spread out by region throughout the country is up to the National Ambulance Service and I will be guided by its advice.

Deputy Dooley's point is valid and well made. Where reconfiguration has occurred - something we want to do in other parts of the country as well - it is difficult to maintain public confidence if there is not a good ambulance service. It is important to improve ambulance services where reconfiguration occurs. His point is valid for the midlands and north east also and I will take it on board.

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