Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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94. To ask the Minister for Health the way ambulance services here are regulated to ensure compliance with best operational and clinical practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42783/14]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Clinical and operational standards for ambulance services in Ireland are set by the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council. PHECC registers pre-hospital practitioners - emergency medical technicians, paramedics and advanced paramedics – to practise in Ireland, and conducts fitness to practise proceedings. As the competent authority for Ireland, PHECC sets education and training standards for pre-hospital care. It also carries out and funds research.

In seeking to ensure the safety of patients in the care of ambulance services, PHECC firstly assesses and confirms the qualifications of each paramedic. This ensures that registered paramedics have the necessary education, training, experience and skills to fulfil the requirements of their role.

Secondly, PHECC licenses an organisation to provide ambulance services. Licensed providers are allowed to use and implement specific clinical practice guidelines. The Council prepares such guidelines and makes them available to pre-hospital emergency care providers as appropriate.

Finally, PHECC sets the scope and limits of practice for paramedics working for a particular licensed provider. This ensures that the paramedic provides care and services within the organisation’s licensed limits.

It is clear that the organisation of pre-hospital care in Ireland has come a long way in the last two decades. Since its establishment as an independent statutory body in 2001, PHECC has put in place the structures for pre-hospital care in Ireland to ensure that ambulance services continue to develop in line with best operational and clinical standards.