Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Cahill for raising this important issue. I assure the House that the National Ambulance Service is focused on continually improving the ambulance service in the south-east region and throughout the country. The improvement of the service is being implemented through a multi-annual reform programme, Vision 2020, which prioritises investment in new developments, increased manpower and fleet and improved technology. Recent developments such as the new community paramedic model of care and the hear-and-treat clinical hub will divert some lower acuity patients away from busy emergency departments and free up emergency capacity in the south east. I thank Deputy Cahill again for raising this important issue. I hope that this can be resolved in the near future.

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