Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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I thank Deputy Murnane O'Connor for raising the issue of the ambulance base location in Carlow. The ambulance base in Carlow is an integral part of the National Ambulance Service. The capital spend is prioritised by the National Ambulance Service and I have been dealing with this situation over the years. Normally the National Ambulance Service has a say over county boundaries and it has a certain model that works. Works costing €50,000 were carried out at the ambulance base to make it fit for purpose, and I thank Deputy Murnane O'Connor for taking the time to visit it and see for herself the health and safety issues. Although we are not experts sometimes we have a view, and I am delighted to articulate that view to the HSE, the National Ambulance Service and the Minister. With regard to what the Deputy has said about the vacant rooms in St. Dympna's Hospital, it should be investigated as it is a reasonable suggestion. I will certainly bring it back.

As I said, a safety audit was carried out last Monday and I am not in a position to say how many safety audits have been done. It was confirmed that the base is in good order and all health and safety requirements are being met. I thank the Deputy for raising the issue and I will bring it back to the HSE, perhaps to investigate the opening of the vacant rooms in St. Dympna's Hospital as it is a reasonable suggestion.