Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State can justifiably take credit for the HEMS based in Athlone. He made the difficult decision back then to stick with the Government and it was not easy at the time but he has delivered that. This is what I want to deliver for west Clare.

Where is the helicopter going to be based? There are several identifiable sites in Clare. Kilkee certainly has availability, as does Kilrush. Spanish Point would be an ideal place for a helicopter to be based and would be able to respond in a matter of minutes to a 999 critical emergency call. I am interested to know where it is going to be based.

I very much welcome the fact it is being rolled out in September. This uses modern technology, quick transport options and advanced paramedics on-site to deal with and stabilise a patient before bringing them to get the acute treatment they require. It is the new way of dealing with medicine. It is on-the-spot and on-site; it saves lives. I am delighted to hear about the progress of the one in Athlone. I want to see the same in west Clare, because there are too many people there who find themselves in compromising positions, and sadly, with fatal consequences because there is not that access.