Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 590: To ask the Minister for Health if he or the Health Service Executive has ever investigated the prospect of creating a fire service based emergency medical service; if such investigations have been conducted, the results of same; if such investigations have not been conducted, his plans to do so; his views on whether such a service may help to streamline emergency response times and improve outcomes for patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26981/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The HSE is the lead agency responsible for the provision of pre-hospital emergency care, through the National Ambulance Service (NAS), and no change to that model is planned. There is, by agreement, a long standing arrangement whereby Dublin City Council provides emergency ambulance services in Dublin.

The development of pre-hospital emergency care in both Ireland and the UK has involved forging closer links with the wider health service, given the benefits that such services can bring to communities in terms synergistic opportunities with primary care, e.g. treat and refer to GPs and treat and discharge at scene. From a strategic perspective, such an approach can make a positive contribution to reducing attendances at emergency departments, improved bed management and reduced ED waiting times.

The HSE is aware of the potential benefits of closer working relationships with Local Authority fire services.Initial discussions have taken place with a view to progressing this agenda.