Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 133: To ask the Minister for Health the number of intermediate care vehicles in use and the number of intermediate care operatives specifically employed to operate them as part of the intermediate care services in Castleblayney, County Monaghan; the date on which these vehicles were purchased; the date on which they were first put into use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14749/12]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 134: To ask the Minister for Health the number of intermediate care vehicles in use and the number of intermediate care operatives specifically employed to operate them as part of the intermediate care service in County Galway; the date on which these vehicles were purchased; the date on which they were first put into use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14750/12]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 135: To ask the Minister for Health the number of intermediate care vehicles in use and the number of intermediate care operatives specifically employed to operate them as part of the intermediate care service in County Limerick; the date on which these vehicles were purchased; the date on which they were first put into use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14751/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 133 to 135, inclusive, together.

The NAS has developed a new model of service, the intermediate care service, in order to end the current practice of using emergency ambulances for inter-hospital transfers. This model has been developed following engagement with the HSE Clinical Care Programmes and individual hospitals. The foreseeable requirements for an intermediate care service have been based on the needs of hospitals, taking into account the impact of the HSE's Clinical Care Programmes and the Government's Employment Control Framework.

Despite these challenges, the NAS has, over the past year, successfully put in place an intermediate care service in areas such as Limerick, Castleblayney and Galway and has developed plans to put a long term service in place in Mallow, Roscommon and Bantry. Regarding the Deputy's query on the number of posts, as these are service matters, they have been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.