Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Lahart. I know he has raised this issue previously in the House. While I have not, as yet, received the report of the review of Dublin ambulance services, I can confirm that a copy of the report was received by my Secretary General in the last few days. My officials, in conjunction with colleagues in the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, are currently examining the report. I understand that meetings of officials from both Departments are scheduled for today and tomorrow. When these discussions are concluded and a proposed way forward is agreed between the respective Departments, I expect that the report will be submitted to both myself and the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government for our consideration. That is the process.

I assure the Deputy that I am fully aware of and greatly appreciate the excellent historical tradition of ambulance services provided to the citizens of Dublin by the Dublin Fire Brigade. It is not just the excellent historical tradition: I appreciate the ongoing tradition of providing services to people in our capital city and county. At the same time, all of those involved in ambulance service provision must have regard to the findings of HIQA. We all must have regard to the findings of the regulator. In its 2014 report, HIQA highlighted patient safety issues arising from two ambulance services operating in the same domain. I fully accept, therefore, that in the interests of patient safety there is a need for a more co-ordinated and integrated approach to ambulance service delivery in Dublin.

Thus, there is a need for the Dublin Fire Brigade and the National Ambulance Service to work closely together to optimise and maximise all available emergency resources. This will ensure the people of Dublin are provided with the most responsive and safest ambulance service possible.

While I have yet to receive the report, let alone the recommendations that will go to myself and the Minister, Deputy Coveney, I assure the Deputy they will receive due and careful consideration. As I said at the Committee on Health last week, I am determined that we do not throw the baby out with the bathwater. There is an awful lot that works extraordinarily well in regard to the Dublin Fire Brigade and the National Ambulance Service. We have to find the mechanism to best address the concerns of HIQA to make sure we have the safest service possible.

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