Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein)
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107. To ask the Minister for Health the contingencies that are in place to ensure that transport for paediatric cardiac and liver transplants are guaranteed in view of the fact that staffing difficulties have meant that transport of and timelines for Priority 1 children cannot be guaranteed at this time; if any firm arrangements or contracts have been put in place to guarantee the use of these services should the need arise aside from the five options that have been explored or liaisons that have been made with other contractors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11889/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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A Service Level Agreement (SLA) is in place between the Department of Defence and the Department of Health/HSE in relation to the provision of air (inter hospital) ambulance services. In accordance with the SLA, inter hospital air ambulance services are provided using the duty aircraft on an as availablebasis. Therefore the service is, and always has been, dependent on the availability of suitable aircraft and crew.

The Department of Defence has advised my Department that in the coming months, availability of aircraft will be restricted due to a shortage of pilots and difficulties arising from the loss of Air Traffic Control personnel. I understand however, that every effort is being made to address the personnel shortages faced by the Air Corps.

The restrictions notified are particularly problematic for paediatric transplant patients who require urgent transfer to the UK when organs become available. I am assured that the HSE has taken every step possible to ensure that contingency arrangements are in place in light of the reduced Air Corp availability. The contingency plans in place include access to the Irish Coast Guard resources and private air ambulance services.

Our Lady’s Hospital, Crumlin has confirmed that the families involved have been apprised of the current transport challenges and every assistance possible is being given to these families. My Department will continue to engage with the Department of the Defence, the National Ambulance Service and all relevant agencies to explore all options to improve the service.