Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Again, I thank the Deputy for raising this important issue. I accept he was one of the Deputies who was very involved in raising the first responder issue previously.

On behalf of the Minister, Deputy Simon Harris, I assure the House that the National Ambulance Service is focused on continuing to improve service in the north west and throughout the rest of the country. The improvement is being implemented through a multi-annual reform programme. Through the National Ambulance Service reform plan, Vision 2020, new developments are being progressed in order to continue to deliver a high-quality service. Recent developments, such as the new community paramedic model of care, will divert some lower priority patients from the busy emergency departments. I will inform the Minister of other issues raised by the Deputy.

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