Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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40. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans, if any, to expand the role of the Air Corps air ambulance service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2032/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Air Corps provides a broad range of services in accordance with its primary defence and security role.  It also undertakes a diverse range of non-security related tasks on an "as available" basis including the provision of air ambulance services to the Health Service Executive (HSE).

The HSE's Aeromedical Desk in its National Emergency Operations Centre is responsible for the co-ordination of all health-related air transport arrangements.  In addition to the Air Corps, the Irish Coast Guard and private air ambulance operators also provide air transport services for the HSE.

The inter-hospital services and emergency aeromedical service are good examples of the Air Corps and HSE combining their resources to deliver life-saving services for the people of Ireland.

My officials continue to be engaged in bilateral discussions with the Department of Health in relation to the ongoing provision of aeromedical support services to the HSE with the most recent meeting taking place just last week.