Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I seek a commitment that the complete findings of the report that is with the HSE be made public. I request assurance from the Government that failings identified in the report will be addressed as a matter of urgency. I agree that the shift towards first responders and paramedics has been a good one and works well. They are very capable and professional people. The problem is there are not enough of them, they do not get the support they require and, as a result, many are leaving the system. Recruitment and retention across the ambulance service are a major issue for a vital service. This has become an issue because the job has lost its appeal. It is a highly pressurised, stressful and tiring role. The ambulance service, if you will excuse the pun, is in need of resuscitation. The sooner we realise that and act on it, the better the results we will get. It requires political intervention to sort out the multitude of problems in the system. There is a huge level of anxiety and anger in the service. As was done in the mid-west recently, the regional model should be looked at again.

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