Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 289: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if all staff employed by private ambulance services are vetted through the Garda clearance system as per the public service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42750/06]

Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 290: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if a company (details supplied) receive moneys from the Health Service Executive for ambulance services; if the HSE or Statutory Ambulance Service have the authority to inspect, assess and set standards of ambulance services offered by private ambulance companies; if the service has been inspected or spot checked by the State authorities for the purpose of establishing that they operate within the protocols and standards; if so when, and if a report exists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42751/06]

Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 291: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if any person or persons made a complaint to the Health Service Executive, Department of Health and Children or the State Ambulance Authorities regarding the conduct of staff or operation of a company (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42752/06]

Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 292: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if all ambulance staff in private ambulance companies, including a company (details supplied) qualified to the expected statutory standard as set down by pre-hospital emergency care council to Irish protocol; the way this is enforced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42753/06]

Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 293: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if non-national staff employed by a company (details supplied) are qualified to Irish standards and are fully conversant in the English language; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42754/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to answer Questions Nos. 289 to 293, inclusive, together.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that when private ambulance services are contracted to deliver services on its behalf, they must comply with the requirements as laid down by the National Ambulance Office. Private ambulance services carrying out emergency transport duties on the Executive's behalf are required to have two crew members who are Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) registered with the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council. The Council is responsible for the development of professional and performance standards for the ambulance services and for the accreditation of institutions providing training for ambulance personnel.

In relation to non-emergency hospital transfers, the minimum requirement is that a registered EMT, a registered nurse or a clinician (where required), travel with the patient.

My Department has asked the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the HSE and the Director of the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council to arrange to have the other issues raised by the Deputy investigated and to have a reply issued to her directly.