Written answers

Tuesday, 1 April 2014

Department of Environment, Community and Local Government

Ambulance Service Provision

Photo of Finian McGrathFinian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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353. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will support the Dublin Fire Brigade ambulance service, which is internationally recognised as being a best practice service in respect of survival rates of cardiac patients. [14931/14]

Photo of Phil HoganPhil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The provision of emergency ambulance services is a matter which falls primarily within the remit of my colleague the Minister for Health, Dr James Reilly, T D. I recognise the quality and caring emergency ambulance service provided by Dublin Fire Brigade (DFB) across most of the greater Dublin area, including the strength of its experience, infrastructure and personnel. There are significant issues, however, including the funding arrangements associated with DFB's provision of services on behalf of the HSE, which need to be addressed. Involvement in other areas of work should not compromise DFB's capacity to provide fire services or impose additional costs on the local authorities. I am aware that a review has been commissioned by the HSE and Dublin City Council regarding the emergency ambulance service provided by DFB. It is appropriate that all public services should be reviewed from time to time to ensure that they are fit for purpose and provide value for money. I look forward to the outcome of the review and its contribution to the development of a strategy which will continue to provide a high quality ambulance service to the people of Dublin.

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