Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)

I again thank Senator McCormack for raising this important matter. In my opening reply I outlined the commitment of this Government, with significant additional funding for the National Ambulance Service in 2025.

I will bring the particular point the Senator has raised in respect of Laois to the attention of my colleague, Minister for Health, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, the Department and the National Ambulance Service. I will ask them - no doubt they will have looked in on this debate - to take on board what the Senator has said.

By way of general observation, as well as additional emergency ambulances, this extra investment in staffing will also benefit patients who do not need an emergency response or to be brought to a busy hospital emergency department. In recent years, as part of the ongoing reform programme, the National Ambulance Service has established a range of see-and-treat alternative care pathways. These include a pathway service whereby advanced paramedics and occupational therapists visit primarily older people in their homes or in community care.

Finally, I reiterate my thanks to the staff of our National Ambulance Service and emphasise the Government's commitment to investing in building further capacity in the service and overseeing continuous strategic reform.