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

The Government must provide a minimum of four additional ambulances and the consequent funding for Dublin Fire Brigade immediately in order that it can respond to the ever increasing number of emergencies and incidents in Dublin. Dublin Fire Brigade personnel are also trained paramedics. If the Minister goes along with the changes proposed by the chief executive officer of Dublin City Council, a skill set will be lost forever. A fire brigade can also be sent with an ambulance with trained paramedics on board. This is a safety issue and in the best interests of the public and patient safety generally. Sadly, terrorist attacks are now a major threat in EU member states. Other member states are moving towards the concept of a fire brigade based ambulance service. It would be a shame, therefore, if we were to break up something that is working well. Will the Minister of State ask the Minister to give the local authority the appropriate funding and resources in order that it can continue to provide this service? The issue has dragged on for long enough. It must be resolved once and for all.

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