Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Whitmore. As I have stated, the National Ambulance Service is constantly monitoring its resources, with patient safety its key consideration. Areas identifying a need will be supported as new service resources are developed and become available. Arklow and Baltinglass will be considered in that regard.

This is a matter I will bring back to the Minister, Deputy Donnelly, but I ask that the Deputy follow up in her own structured way with the Minister's office on those particular points, and the Minister and his office can then take the matter up with the NAS in a structured way.

I reiterate to the Deputy that the Government remains absolutely committed to investing in and growing our National Ambulance Service. The service does great work, and the people on the ground - the ambulance drivers, paramedics and all across, even the people working in the offices - do phenomenal work. In my opening statement, I alluded to progress we made in recent years, and the rest of the challenges facing us. I would like to talk briefly about the plans for the coming years.

To meet the demands of our growing and ageing population, the NAS is developing a new strategic plan to 2031. Deputy Whitmore's particular request might be fed in as part of that review and strategic plan. This plan will set out a very ambitious roadmap for our National Ambulance Service in the coming years. It will see the National Ambulance Service continue its long-term evolution from a patient transport service to a modern, responsive and mobile medical service. Government is committed to supporting the NAS to progress its reform of delivery of pre-hospital emergency services. I acknowledge there is still work to be done, but the Deputy should rest assured that we will be working closely with the National Ambulance Service and the wider health services on this.

I again acknowledge the tireless efforts of the National Ambulance Service and its talented and dedicated workforce, and thank them for everything they do.

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