Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I compliment the Regional Group on bringing forward this motion on pre-emergency care, which is a critical component of the healthcare system in Ireland. It plays a vital role in the management of emergencies and saving lives, which is the most important thing for any of us in this House or anywhere else. The motion refers to emergency medical services provided to patients outside of hospital settings, usually in the event of an accident or sudden illness.

There are wonderful groups of people out there and paramedics do a top-class job. In my community we have a first responder group. I could not say enough about the co-ordinator, Sean Byrne, and his team. It is led by Emma Lonergan, Joe Lynch and Ger O'Dea from the National Ambulance Service. The first responders have now been trained to a high standard under Donal Lonergan's care. There is a compliance officer and guidance. They are full-blown paramedics who do an excellent job. There are 18 volunteers who are ready, willing and able to assist any time they are called out.

Similar groups throughout the country were called out 200 times in January, which takes significant pressure off the National Ambulance Service. These groups are doing good work. They are volunteers and give of their own time. The officers in our group include Marian O'Dwyer, treasurer; Ciara Lonergan, secretary; and Sean Byrne, chairman. They do an excellent job and are willing, ready and able. Many communities are the same. Ní neart go cur le chéile. That is the way we want to operate.

There are failings in the HSE which are holding up ambulances. As we discussed yesterday, the National Ambulance Service is not fit for purpose in the co-ordination and management of emergency care. I want to salute community responders. They are saving lives and are putting their shoulders to the wheel. They do heroic duty and great work.

See this speech in context