Maura Hopkins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join other Senators in raising the issue of the air ambulance service. As we are all aware, it is a very important service and saves many lives. Earlier this afternoon, Senator McFadden raised this directly with the Minister of State, Deputy Kehoe. It is very disappointing that a community rapid-response charity helicopter would be required to fill the gap of what should be a fundamental service provided by the State. Obviously, it is positive that the second helicopter will be based in Roscommon. However, at a wider scale, it is a fundamental service which has saved many lives and has the potential to save many more. It should be fully provided by the State.

As the Minister of State said this afternoon, there are difficulties with staffing. He referred to the recommissioning of former Air Corps pilots, the reintroduction of the service commitment scheme for pilots and the training of junior pilots. This crucial service should be provided by the State.

The road ambulance service has particular challenges and black spots. While there have been some positive developments with the Loughglynn ambulance base operating on a five-days-a-week and two-nights-a-week basis, we were told it would operate on a 24-hour basis for seven days per week, but that has not happened. We need to ensure we support people to get to a centre of excellence or hospital as needs be as quickly as possible. We need to ensure our road ambulance service functions fully. I specifically mention Loughglynn as an example where we have not got it on a 24-hour basis for seven days per week.

We have difficulties now with the air ambulance service. The Minister of State, Deputy Kehoe, reiterated and emphasised to Senator McFadden this afternoon that it will continue to be based in Athlone, but there are issues with the staffing of that service. We also have issues with our road ambulance service. We certainly need a debate in the House because both of those services are fundamental to saving people's lives and reducing disability.