Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Deputy for raising the issue and giving me the opportunity to update him on transport in County Tipperary. The Deputy mentioned the Red Cross, Order of Malta and Civil Defence, and it is important we pay tribute to the great work they do. They are excellent. It is important the Deputy recognised them and that we all recognise them. I assure the Deputy the HSE and Tipperary University Hospital are committed to providing high-quality service in response to local needs. Tipperary University Hospital has reviewed the eligibility criteria for the non-emergency patient transport service so the most in need and vulnerable patients can still access it.

Non-emergency transport patient calls are planned for patients who require transport in a special converted taxi or minibus to attend pre-arranged medical appointments and who do not require a stretcher-equipped vehicle. The patient transport service was set up in 2013 on a discretionary basis by the HSE and provides non-emergency patient transport in south-east region hospitals. There is a budget there. I understand the Deputy's concerns. I will go back to the HSE and see whether it can be looked at. I understand there are vulnerable people out there. It is important to reiterate this is HSE-led. I thank the Deputy for highlighting the serious concerns he has raised.

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