Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the Deputy. There is an issue of geographic inequity depending on where one lives in Wicklow, with west Wicklow often experiencing more geographical challenges than other parts of the county. It is not just the Deputy and I, as persons from County Wicklow, who understand that. The National Ambulance Service capacity review found there was a need in the eastern region, which covers Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow, for additional emergency resources, primarily rapid response vehicles. Therefore, I expect that following the implementation of the national capacity review, the ambulance service will act upon that in the context of the forthcoming service plan because it is important we have an evidence base for all we do and the National Ambulance Service capacity review is very clear on the need to plug deficits in the eastern region, which includes County Wicklow and west Wicklow.

The Deputy is right to praise the community first responders groups. Wicklow has led the way in that regard, with 22 such groups in operation there. Three community engagement officers have been appointed to the National Ambulance Service operational areas in north Leinster and the west and south of the country to support the existing community first responders network. The number of such community first responders groups has increased from 133 in January 2016 to 158 at the end of September 2017. We thank those groups for all they do. It is a very important component of the health service.

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