James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 238: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will report on the ambulance service in the Swords, County Dublin; if the Health Service Executive will fund the ambulance at Swords fire station; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29296/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Emergency ambulance services in Dublin have been provided by Dublin Fire Brigade for many years on behalf of the Health Service Executive. Ambulance services in the rest of the country are provided by the HSE.

It is important to ensure that all of our pre-hospital emergency services, including the service provided by the Dublin Fire Brigade, function as a high quality, integrated health service. The advice of the Health Information and Quality Authority on pre-hospital care issues will be a significant factor in determining how services should be organised so that they operate efficiently and that clinical governance, patient safety and quality standards are met.

The HSE and Dublin City Council are in discussion regarding a number of practical issues, including the nature and terms on which Dublin Fire Brigade provides emergency ambulance services in Dublin. The most appropriate approach to the service in Swords can be considered in this context.