Maura Hopkins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for her comprehensive response. I am encouraged by the fact that the programme for Government sets out that there will be a multi-annual programme which will focus on providing an enhanced ambulance service, involving increased personnel, improved technology and improved ambulances. However, we are dealing with a very urgent issue, particularly in known identified black spots, as per the 2014 HIQA report. Again, I emphasise that west Roscommon, an area with which I am very familiar, is a known identified black spot and that we have not seen additional resources being provided in it. It is really important that that issue is dealt with as quickly as possible. We need to make sure the air ambulance service which, again, has been very effective has the capacity to operate at night time. That is critical in getting very ill patients to the centres where they need to be quickly. I thank the Minister of State for her contribution. I will continue to raise the issue and work with her on it.