Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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452. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to incorporate the Irish community air ambulance service into the national strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5897/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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My Department has been approached by the Irish Community Air Ambulance (ICAA) in relation to a proposed air ambulance service for Munster.

My officials have met with the organisation and I am advised that a number of issues require further consideration and clarification. In addition, to ensuring that any new service will complement the existing service and that the funding model proposed is robust, the clinical governance model for the service will need to be developed in conjunction with the Medical Director of the National Ambulance Service. This requirement is paramount to ensure patient safety.

My Department continues to engage with the ICAA in relation to this proposal.