Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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241. To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to proposed changes to the operation of the emergency ambulance call out service as provided by the Dublin Fire Brigade. [7941/17]

Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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242. To ask the Minister for Health his views on the potential impact on patients and public safety of proposed changes to the operation of the Dublin Fire Brigade emergency ambulance call out service and the potential impact on hospital services and emergency departments. [7942/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 241 and 242 together.

In recent years three comprehensive reviews of our ambulance services have been undertaken; the HIQA review, the Independent Lightfoot Review of the National Ambulance Service (NAS) capacity, and the review of Dublin ambulance services which was jointly commissioned by the HSE and Dublin City Council.

The Dublin ambulance services review is focused on identifying a service model for the optimal provision of emergency ambulance services and patient care in the Dublin region, including service quality, patient safety and value for money. I understand that the Review has been completed and is under consideration by the HSE and Dublin City Council.

I should also draw the attention of the Deputy to the HIQA (2014) report on ambulance services which highlighted significant public safety issues arising from two ambulance services operating in the same domain. The Report identified concerns around the existence of two separate control and dispatch processes, and also highlighted the need for greater clinical governance of both services. The Report points to the need for enhanced integration of ambulance service provision in the greater Dublin area.

I fully accept that, in the interest of patient safety, we need the Dublin Fire Brigade and the NAS to have a more coordinated and integrated approach to service delivery. I am therefore reassured that the HSE is working closely with Dublin City Council to devise and agree the elements of a safe, sustainable, integrated and quality ambulance service for the citizens of Dublin.

Finally, I would like to assure the Deputy that if, and before, any changes in the model of ambulance service delivery in Dublin are implemented, a formal proposal for same will be required to be submitted to both myself and the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, for our consideration and approval. In that regard, discussions are ongoing between officials from my Department and the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government.