Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his positive response, which was very welcome. From what I hear, funds will be made available to families through the treatment abroad fund. The cardiac cases are approved but the liver patient decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis, depending on the location of the patient. Will there be two different approaches for those in the west and in Louth?

Both liver and heart conditions are very serious. Regardless of whether a heart or liver is to be transplanted, the child has to get from Ireland to England. Regrettably, air transport is currently provided only between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. and there is no weekend service. The Minister of State reassured me there is a private air ambulance company employed. I am sure he can guarantee me it is available 24/7, when requested. When Crumlin hospital states a liver or heart is available in the United Kingdom for a child, are we in a position to provide the transport and meet all the standards of delivery, even if the child is living at home? Many of the liver patients are in the home setting and do not need to be in hospital at all. One can totally understand the concerns of the families. They are very concerned over the fact the air ambulance service is not the service that existed last June or July and they are concerned given what came to light last January. The families need to know they have support, including financial support. It is a huge commitment to uproot a parent and child and leave half a family behind. Some people must walk away from their job to do what is necessary until such time as we have a full air ambulance service again.

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