Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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528. To ask the Minister for Health if he will meet, at an early date, a deputation comprising the Kerry South Oireachtas Members and members of Killarney Town Council in respect of the proposed changes to the ambulance service in Killarney; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41842/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The HSE National Ambulance Service (NAS) has set out a plan for a new model of pre-hospital care service for the people of South Kerry. This new model emerged from an analysis of the needs of the South Kerry area and the best use of available resources, including paramedics and advanced paramedics.

The plan has also been informed by the modernisation developments that have already taken place in East Cork, North Cork and West Cork. The plan is extremely detailed, providing numerous benefits agreed between HSE management, union representatives and staff. The plan to modernise the South Kerry service follows a consultation process with a wide range of interested groups, such as GPs, local public representatives and community groups. I understand that representatives from the HSE's National Ambulance Service and senior HSE management met with GPs, public representatives and community groups in South Kerry in September to update them on the plans to modernise the NAS services in the region.

In light of the extensive consultation that has already taken place, I do not plan to meet with the above representatives in relation to this matter at this stage.