Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North-West, Fianna Fail)
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1327. To ask the Minister for Health the steps her Department is taking to address potential recruitment shortfalls in the National Ambulance Service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29208/25]

Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North-West, Fianna Fail)
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1328. To ask the Minister for Health the steps her Department is taking to ensure that there is sufficient staffing of advanced paramedics within the National Ambulance Service nationwide; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29209/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1327 and 1328 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, this Government remains committed to investing in the continued growth and strategic development of our National Ambulance Service (NAS). This year's allocation of €285 million includes €8 million for new service developments (converting to a full year investment of €16 million in 2026), which will deliver up to 180 additional posts in the NAS. This investment will further support emergency frontline services, expand NAS alternative care pathways and continue the development of NAS specialist services such as Critical Care Retrieval and Aeromedical services.

Consistent increases in investment in our National Ambulance Service in recent year has grown the workforce to 2,459 whole time equivalents (WTEs) as of March 2025, an increase of 531 WTEs or 28% since the beginning of 2020.

I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly with any further pertinent information it may have in the matter.