Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

I am taking part in this Adjournment debate on behalf of my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney. Under the Health Act 2004, the HSE has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the provision of ambulance services. I am aware of the many eloquent pleas Senator Kitt has made for a Tuam ambulance service.

Within the western area the HSE provides emergency and patient transport ambulance services to a population of over 350,000 people. The Department of Health and Children is advised that the emergency ambulance service is provided from ten stations across the catchment area. There has been a significant expansion of this service in recent years, the number of 24-hour bases has increased from three to five, while the hours of operation across all bases have increased significantly.

In 2004 six new high-specification ambulances were provided. In addition, two new rapid response vehicles have been introduced as backup to the new fleet. Facilities at ambulance stations in Ballina, Boyle, Clifden and Roscommon have also been improved. The executive has responsibility for the continuing development of the service. It is developing proposals for the establishment of a number of additional stations in the western area, including a station in the Tuam area.

The HSE's national ambulance office supports the development of a new ambulance base in Tuam. The provision of additional funding for this development is a matter for the HSE in the context of its capital priorities for 2006.