Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 759: To ask the Minister for Health and Children when the parameters of the ambulance transport system will be extended to include persons living in rural areas without transport of their own and without access to public transport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1726/07]

Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 762: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if her Department has reviewed the ambulance transport system as promised by her in the latter part of 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1737/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 759 and 762 together.

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive (HSE) under the Health Act, 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issues raised by the Deputy.

I am aware that, in 2006, the HSE commenced a review of the non-emergency transport needs of patients attending HSE facilities. The National Ambulance Office, the National Hospitals Office and the Primary,Community and Continuing Care Directorate of the HSE are involved in the review. This group will also develop proposals on how best to support patients who have to travel to access specialist services.

My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the HSE to arrange to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.