Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle very much. The points and all of the issues made by Deputy Sherlock, as we know, predate the pandemic. I join with colleagues in commending the work of the ambulance service before the pandemic and the sterling work that they have done throughout the pandemic, particularly in the visits that they have made to the house-bound, together with the sensitive way in which they go about their business. This gratitude must be put on the record of the House. I thank them for their activity in that regard in my area of Louth and Meath.

The Minister will probably agree that front-line health workers of every description should be entitled to the very best working conditions. As far as emergency medical technicians, EMTs, in Drogheda are concerned, that is not the case. Drogheda is Ireland's largest town and serves one of the most densely populated areas in the country. EMTs in my home town work in intolerable conditions. Their base is at the old Cottage Hospital in Drogheda and it is not fit for purpose and never was. They occupy a space in a building that was meant to be temporary that has now taken on a state of permanence.

I will give the Minister one example of the inadequacy of the facilities. A few weeks ago the washing machine and dryers were out of action and there was no running water available to wash the interior of ambulances, that is, during a pandemic. There was no running water available or no facilities to wash uniforms. I do not want to get started also on the showering facilities. I raised this with the HSE before. Replies to me say that Drogheda is a priority for capital investment for a new base. In February and March I sent the HSE a list of prospective sites. I have tried to follow that up to weeks ago with the HSE but there has been radio silence since and over the past few months.

I believe the Minister will agree that hard-working EMTs are entitled to better than this. We need a new base in Drogheda. This needs to be expedited. We need a timeline and I would appreciate an update, if not from the Minister this evening then from the HSE and very shortly, please.

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