Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

194. To ask the Minister for Health his views on the fact that discussions were not held regarding changes to the emergency ambulance calls service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10821/15]

Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

195. To ask the Minister for Health if he will ensure that no Dublin Fire Brigade ambulance services are taken out of service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10822/15]

Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

197. To ask the Minister for Health his assessment of the announcement this week by Dublin City Council that Dublin Fire Brigade's ambulance service call and dispatch function will be controlled by the Health Service Executive from later this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10824/15]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 194, 195 and 197 together.

HIQA, in its report of December last year, identified serious patient safety concerns over the lack of coordination between the Dublin Fire Brigade ambulance service and the National Ambulance Service. The urgent need to address these issues was stressed, particularly for 999/112 call-taking and ambulance dispatch, as well as overall clinical governance.

Following discussions, the HSE and Dublin City Council have agreed in principle to address the identified weaknesses, through the provision of a single point of contact for all emergency calls in Dublin. Under this agreement, all 999/112 ambulance calls for the Dublin region will be routed through the National Emergency Operations Centre in Tallaght and all ambulances, whether DFB or NAS, will be dispatched from Tallaght. In addition, clinical governance of Dublin ambulance services will become the responsibility of the NAS medical director.

The new arrangements will mean that the people of Dublin will get a better ambulance service. Currently, where DFB do not have an ambulance available, they may or may not pass the call to the NAS. Passing calls between call centres is not without risks. Calls may be delayed or worse, be missed. Under the new arrangements, the dispatcher will be able to see every available ambulance in the region. The nearest available ambulance, whether NAS or DFB, will be sent to the incident.

Agreement in principle has now been reached with Dublin Fire Brigade unions on the integration of emergency ambulance call taking and dispatch. It has also been agreed that DFB will continue to be fully involved in emergency ambulance service delivery and there will be no diminution of such services.

Staff in Dublin Fire Brigade will be fully consulted before the proposed changes are implemented. A Joint Forum within Dublin City Council, which will include Management and Union representatives, will be established to address issues regarding the control centre reconfiguration. This is a very welcome development which will, I believe, ensure that the people of Dublin get the safer ambulance service they deserve.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy and that it explains the situation fully.

Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

196. To ask the Minister for Health if the number of Dublin Fire Brigade ambulances will increase this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10823/15]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.

If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.