Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I have raised this matter in the Dáil previously and I appreciate the Minister giving an update on the situation. I agree with him that patient safety is of paramount importance. However, I point out that councillors in all the local authorities in Dublin have passed motions that the ambulance service should be retained with the Dublin Fire Brigade and I think that is the general view of Dubliners, who are very proud of their fire brigade and its ambulance service.

There were reports last night that the chief executive, Owen Keegan, has referred the matter to the Labour Relations Commission. While I am not sure if the Minister is aware of that, it is something we need an update on. This strike must be prevented. Dubliners generally want to see the ambulance service retained in the Dublin Fire Brigade for all sorts of reasons. At the end of the day, it will be in the interests of patient safety.

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