Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On 14 December 2022, during a Commencement matter debate, I raised the issue of the advanced paramedic motorbike unit for Cork. The Cathaoirleach ruled out of order my raising of this as a Commencement matter on a second occasion because it had already been raised, which I understand, but there needs to be a forum for us as Members of the Seanad to hold the HSE to account for the lack of provision of an advanced paramedic motorbike unit in Cork. We have no question time but we need to ensure, as Oireachtas Members, that there is accountability of the HSE.

I again raise the matter during the Order of Business of the lack of two motorbike units in Cork. They are idle, non-operational and they should be reinstated as a matter of extreme urgency. We understand and we know that Covid changed parts of the delivery of the healthcare system, but we are now living in a post-Covid world. Therefore, I call for the Minister for Health to come to the House to explain why the HSE has not reinstated the advanced paramedic motorcycle unit in Cork. Advanced paramedics save lives. They provide a care pathway and a rapid response service. In cities like Cork, with narrow, winding streets, the motorbikes are pivotal in the response time to people who require urgent care and provide a pathway to hospital or care. I ask that the Minister of Health, on behalf of the HSE, comes to the House to explain why the HSE has not reinstated the service and say when it will. This is about saving lives. It is about people and the provision of a care pathway.

I welcome the inclusion of the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers, RACO, by the Minister for Defence in the pay talks to join the work of PDFORRA. I commend the work of people like Mark Keane who have been so strong and steadfast in their advocacy on behalf of members of the Defence Forces.

I welcome the boys and girls from Grange National School. I formally pay tribute to Liam Ahearn who was an extraordinary county councillor and whose good wife, Theresa, was a wonderful parliamentarian and a friend to many of us. We are very proud of the work that Senator Ahearn is doing here. To the boys and girls from Tipperary, I am sorry your hurling season is over but enjoy the laethanta saoire.