Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I asked the Minister specifically whether he thought this represented good value for money and maybe I will get the answer in the next minute. Investing money in private companies will never improve our public health system. The Minister will be aware that national ambulance service personnel balloted for industrial action and that this was only averted on the promise of additional staff being recruited, specifically 461 paramedics. What is the plan for this and what is the budget allocation to ensure it is achieved? The Minister met with members of the Dublin fire brigade, whose members also provide a paramedic and ambulance service. Why do they not use a privatised service? There is no commitment on the Minister's part to the ring-fenced funding they have sought.

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