Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I do not question the Deputy's knowledge of rural Ireland and the distance between locations and hope he did not take offence at some of my remarks. I understand his concerns, particularly as we live in a country with many roads and access is not what it should be for ambulances in rural areas. The rapid response service plays a huge part in attending to ill patients throughout the country. The diminution of the service would be a major disadvantage to people living in rural areas. I will convey the Deputy's concerns to the Minister and assure him that the Minister is very much aware of them. I will reiterate them when I meet him during the week.

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