Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 136: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the progress she has made in the establishment of an all-Ireland helicopter emergency medical service as recommended by the HEMS feasibility study consultant's report published on 30 April 2004 in view of the tragic accident in Navan, County Meath resulting in the death of five young persons; if she has completed discussions with other Departments on the matter; if there has been any recent meeting held on establishing this service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17936/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I offer again my sincere condolences to the families, relatives and friends of the deceased and wish the injured continued recovery. I acknowledge the major role of health service personnel in responding to this terrible accident and the part played by the fire service, the Garda, the Air Corps, which provided helicopter assistance, and the voluntary personnel involved.

The Deputy will be aware that my Department is finalising a service level agreement with the Department of Defence which will formalise arrangements for the future provision of an air ambulance service by the Air Corps. Officials from my Department recently met the Department of Defence to progress the agreement. The draft agreement was also circulated to the executive for comment. It is expected that the agreement will be completed shortly.

The Deputy is aware that a significant helicopter fleet replacement programme has been approved and is being put in place for the Air Corps. Each of the new helicopters will have a specific air ambulance capability and the new fleet will have a far greater flying capacity which will augment the current service.