Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I support Senator Jim D'Arcy in his call for a debate with Minister, Deputy O'Sullivan, in the upcoming session. I welcome the progress that has been made in the reform of the junior cycle and that agreement was reached with all unions. The much overdue junior cycle reform can now proceed as a matter of urgency.

The air ambulance service is being put on a permanent basis which a very welcome development, particularly for people living along the west coast of Ireland. It will continue to be based in Custume Barracks in Athlone. The Minister for Health, Deputy Varadker and Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Coveney announced yesterday that the service will be established on a permanent basis. The valuable service ensures that people who are seriously ill and in remoter areas of our country have timely access to the appropriate high quality clinical care they require. The National Ambulance Service and the Air Corps have operated the service on a pilot basis since 2012. There was concern recently that it might not be put on a permanent basis. With the Irish Coast Guard providing backup support the service has completed over 1055 missions to date. Over 300 of those missions involved people with serious heart conditions who needed to be transported to a primary care centre within 90 minutes. This service is invaluable to many people and it is very welcome news that it is to be continued on a permanent basis. I have no doubt that it will be evaluated for ongoing effectiveness but it is now a permanent fixture as part of our improving health service. I compliment the Ministers involved in bringing this to fruition.