Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 60: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her views, in view of the fact that the Health Service Executive spent some €60 million between 2007 and 2008 on taxis for patient transport, while maintaining transport for patients, on alternative options that will provide a cost effective solution for patient transport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26432/09]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 68: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her views on the information that €28,623,328 is spent annually on taxis and hackneys for patients and staff by the Health Service Executive; the reason some HSE regions have a much higher [i]per capita [/i] spend than others; the action which will be taken to save money in this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26337/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 60 and 68 together.

The HSE has indicated that in 2007 total expenditure on taxis amounted to €31,647,613; however it is not in a position in the time available to provide a breakdown of this amount as between patient transport and other types of use. The Executive has indicated that of the total expenditure of €28,623,328 spent on taxis in 2008, €27,910,135 related to the provision of taxi transport for users of health services. It has also stated that ambulances and their staff are prioritised for front-line emergency work and that the use of taxis for patient transport was considered to represent a more cost-effective solution when compared to direct operation of a transport fleet for this purpose.

It is essential that the provision or funding of transport by the HSE for users of health services and, where necessary, by staff occurs in a rational and cost-effective manner and makes best use of the available resources. The HSE conducted a review of Patient Transport Services in 2008. Arising from this, it is working to ensure that where it is appropriate that service users are facilitated in this manner, the most efficient and effective arrangements are employed and that there is a consistent national approach.