David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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177. To ask the Minister for Health the steps being taken to improve the ambulance service in the Dublin area; the effect of the improvements to date on the waiting times for ambulances; his plans to locate an additional ambulance base in the Dublin area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16065/21]

David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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178. To ask the Minister for Health the average response time of ambulances in the Dublin area; the number of ambulances ordinarily based at each location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16066/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 177 and 178 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, Dublin Fire Brigade provides emergency ambulance services in Dublin city and county, by arrangement between Dublin City Council and the HSE. The HSE National Ambulance Service (NAS) also provides some emergency capacity within the greater Dublin area. Where required, the NAS provides additional resources from neighbouring counties to address demand in Dublin, including motorbikes, rapid response vehicles and emergency ambulances. In addition, ambulances from other parts of the country, which may be travelling to or from a Dublin hospital, may be available to respond to emergency calls in the Dublin area where they are the nearest resource to a patient.

The Emergency Service Baseline and Capacity Review, submitted to Government in May 2016, identified a requirement for increased ambulance resources in the eastern region, which covers Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow. The review underlined the need for a multi-annual programme of phased investment in ambulance manpower, vehicles and technology. In that context, Government has provided additional annual investment for ambulance services in recent years, including €10 million in 2021 in support of initiatives including the training of additional paramedics to meet baseline capacity needs.  

As the specific allocation of resources and emergency response time performance are operational matters in the first instance, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly with any further information that might be available.