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

Absolutely. Honesty is critically important. The very fact that the Minister is indicating a commitment to ensure that the current provision is significantly enhanced is a statement of recognition that there has been inadequate cover during this considerable period of years. Communities such as mine that have lost all of their acute hospital services with the transfer of same from Monaghan Hospital to Cavan General Hospital. Other hospital facilities across the region are totally dependent on the ambulance service in terms of emergency situations relating to road traffic accidents, RTAs, cardiac arrests, stroke victims or whatever is the case. We were promised that there would be significant ambulance cover - that is, appropriate ambulance cover - but that has not been the case. For whatever short period after the advent of the construction of the new station, there was a presence. However, this has been watered down significantly over the period and shared, I understand, with the north Louth area in the context of Castleblayney. It is hugely important to ensure that - not only in the area I know best but throughout the length and breadth of this State - the requisite number of ambulances and staff are provided in order to guarantee full cover at all times. That matter must be a priority and it is one I will be happy to pursue, regardless of whether I am in government or in opposition, after the election.

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