Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

All of us in this House will be aware of, and fully appreciate, the importance of the ambulance service, particularly in places like County Monaghan where hospital services were downgraded. Such places depend on the ambulance service more than other areas. Unfortunately, there is sometimes a delay in ambulances arriving at the scene which can have, as Monaghan knows too well, devastating consequences for the families involved. The National Ambulance Service Representative Association, NASRA, was set up to act on behalf of its members as a branch of the Psychiatric Nurses Association, PNA, which is a union with negotiating rights with the HSE. The HSE and the national ambulance service, NAS, have provided a number of facilities for members of the ambulance service, including deductions of union payments and an avenue or channel for representing the views of the members of the association.

I am disappointed to learn that NASRA is now in dispute with the HSE and the NAS on two issues. The HSE has now decided to take away the facility whereby subscriptions were deducted from members' salaries. It has stopped this after a period of eight years. They have also refused to allow representatives of NASRA to represent its members, which is a regrettable development.The next phase in the dispute is a work to rule that will begin tomorrow. In effect, this means there will be a ban on overtime, which staff members are not obliged to do at any rate. This could have serious implications for places like County Monaghan and certain other parts of the country. Although there are 16 rostered staff members in County Monaghan, there are just 11 permanent positions there at present. The other positions are filled through overtime and are covered by unrostered staff. This could have serious implications for the health and safety of people in County Monaghan and throughout the entire country. If it is not possible to fill shifts, this could result in delays. As we know to our cost, unfortunately, this could have devastating effects on the people of this country. I would like the Leader to ask the Minister for Health to engage with National Ambulance Service personnel immediately and as a matter of urgency in order that this dispute can be brought to an end as soon as possible.