Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator for raising what is a very important matter, not only in her area but also nationally.

The National Ambulance Service has undergone a major programme of reform and innovation in recent years. The programme is ongoing. In 2016 additional funding of €7.2 million has been provided for the service which includes €2 million to fund new developments. The new funding has and will facilitate the recruitment of additional personnel, the acquisition of new technology, the initiation of the first phase of a hear and treat care pathway, expansion of the community first responder network and assist in the delivery of a children’s ambulance service. We are now deploying ambulances better.

The capacity review identifies a need for a very significant programme of investment in ambulance services. It is clear to me that a phased investment in a multi-annual programme involving manpower, vehicles and technology is required. In that context, A Programme for a Partnership Government commits to additional annual investment in ambulance personnel and vehicles.