Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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225. To ask the Minister for Health the hours during which the critical care retrieval service for children is currently available; the reason this does not operate on a 24-7 basis; the alternatives in place when this service is not available; if there are plans to extend this to a 24-7 service for the hours during which the critical care retrieval service for children is currently available; the reason this does not operate on a 24-7 basis; the alternatives in place when this service is not available; if there are plans to extend this to a 24-7 service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9027/23]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The National Ambulance Service (NAS) Critical Care & Retrieval Service (NAS-CCRS) delivers the model of care for retrieval services in Ireland. The NAS-CCRS provides a comprehensive retrieval/transfer system for seriously ill babies, children and adults throughout Ireland. NAS provides CCRS services between hospitals for children aged between 4 weeks and 16 years through the Irish Paediatric Acute Transport Service (IPATS), as well as for infants aged under 6 weeks through its National Neonatal Transport Programme (NNTP). Delivery of these services is dependent upon partnerships between the NAS and the participating hospitals.

In relation to the Deputy' specific inquiries concerning CCRS operating hours I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to him directly with any further pertinent information that it may have, as soon as possible.