Written answers

Thursday, 3 February 2005

Department of Health and Children

Ambulance Service

5:00 pm

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 90: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the progress to date in the development of a helicopter emergency medical service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3253/05]

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The report of a consultancy study jointly commissioned by my Department and the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Belfast on the costs and benefits associated with the introduction of a dedicated helicopter emergency medical services for the island of Ireland was published on 30 April 2004 and is available on my Department's website.

The study concluded that the introduction of a dedicated inter-hospital transfer service would be appropriate in an all-island context. The study estimated the cost at €12 million capital and €4 million revenue for a single helicopter. Inter-hospital air ambulance services are provided by the Air Corps and the Irish Coast Guard, subject to the nature of the mission, available aircraft and other operational commitments. Most patient transfers are airport to airport with onward transfer by land ambulance.

My Department and the Department of Defence are finalising a service level agreement to formalise arrangements for the future provision of an air ambulance service by the Air Corps. A significant helicopter fleet replacement programme is being put in place for the Air Corps. Each of the new helicopters will have a specific air ambulance capability. The new fleet will also have a far greater flying capacity than is currently available. My Department has also reached agreement with the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources that the Irish Coast Guard will continue to provide air ambulance services on the same basis as heretofore.

My Department is advised that plans are being developed within the private sector for the introduction of a dedicated helicopter emergency medical services, primarily in an inter-hospital transfer role and with a view to the service becoming operational in 2005. My Department will be closely monitoring developments in this regard.

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