Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 227: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a complete review of the provision of transport to people to attend hospital outpatient appointments and admissions will be undertaken in conjunction with the Department of Social and Family Affairs; her views on introducing a voucher system under the free travel pass scheme which will enable people living in rural isolated areas to avail of transport for hospital appointments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16411/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. The Executive has advised that its National Ambulance Office intends to conduct a comprehensive review of patient transport services. The separation of the Emergency Medical Service and the Patient Transport role of the Ambulance Service has been identified as a key objective in the Executive's 2006 service plan. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.