Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 281: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the hours of operation of the current Hems service in relation to the service level agreement between the Air Corps and the Health Service Executive with regards to air ambulance operations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39397/06]

Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 282: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the person who is the medical director in relation to the service level agreement between the Air Corps and the Health Service Executive with regards to air ambulance operations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39401/06]

Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 283: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the staffing configuration of the aircraft, pilots and doctors in relation to the service level agreement between the Air Corps and the Health Service Executive with regards to air ambulance operations; who supplies the team; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39402/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 281 to 283, inclusive, together.

Inter-hospital air ambulance transport services are currently provided by the Air Corps on a request and availability basis. The Air Corps provides the service subject to the availability of suitable aircraft and flying crews. The provision of the service also depends on prevailing weather conditions.

A Service Level Agreement is in place between the Department of Defence, the Department of Health and Children, the Health Service Executive, the Defence Forces and the Air Corps for the provision of air ambulance services.

The agreement sets out the range services to be provided by the Air Corps, specifically:

Inter-hospital Transfer for spinal and serious injury and illness

Air Transport of Neonates requiring immediate medical intervention in Ireland

Air Transport of patients requiring emergency organ transplant in the UK

Air Transport of Organ Harvest Teams within Ireland

Air Transport of patients from offshore islands to mainland hospitals where the Coast Guard service is not available.

A Steering Group comprising representation from each of the signatories to the Service Level Agreement has been established. The Group is monitoring the operation of the agreement and will amend, if necessary, the provisions of the agreement to take account of service developments, including the new fleet replacement programme currently being put in place by the Air Corps.

My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to investigate the other issues raised by the Deputy and to reply to him directly.