Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I would like to request that the Minister for Health come into the Chamber at the earliest possible opportunity to discuss ambulance response times. Last Saturday in Castleblayney in County Monaghan an under-12 soccer match took place between the local club and a club from Monaghan town. Unfortunately, an 11 year-old child fractured his leg in two places during the game. It was a horrific experience for him, and indeed for everyone there and thankfully, both his parents were present at the game. An ambulance was called to attend to this young man. Unfortunately, it took almost three hours to arrive. It was two hours and 50-something minutes before the ambulance arrived to attend to this young man who was lying on wet grass in the field in excruciating pain. It is simply not good enough in this day and age. I would like to make the point that this in no way reflects on the ambulance personnel who do an excellent job in very difficult circumstances. However, if a young lad is lying on the grass for almost three hours after breaking his leg in two places and no ambulance arrives then we have a serious problem.I would like the Minister to come in here so that we can identify what exactly the problem is, in order that we can try to find a solution to it. No young lad, or any one, regardless of age, should have to wait almost three hours for an ambulance to arrive. I am glad to report that the young man was eventually taken to Drogheda hospital where he went underwent surgery and, thankfully, is now recovering. It was an horrific experience for an 11-year old child to go through and indeed for everybody to witness. I would like if that debate could be organised as a matter of urgency.