Written answers
Tuesday, 4 November 2025
Department of Health
Departmental Circulars
David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context
1732. To ask the Minister for Health the current circular which governs eligibility for the allowance for advanced paramedics; the details of this circular and eligibility conditions; the details of all circulars which have governed this allowance; and the difference between them for eligibility. [58183/25]
Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context
The allowance is currently governed by HSE HR Circular 011/2009, issued on 30 March 2009 and effective from 1 January 2009.
To qualify for the Advanced Paramedic Allowance, personnel must:
- Be registered as an Advanced Paramedic with the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC).
- Have completed academic sign-off (e.g., by a Professor of General Practice) and be entered onto the Advanced Paramedic division of the PHECC register.
- Be actively practising advanced paramedic skills within the HSE ambulance service.
In addition to the circular, the National Ambulance Service (NAS) follows internal procedures outlined in NASBS005 – Application and Removal of Advanced Paramedic Allowance
Eligibility under NASBS005 allows for any member or grade of NAS staff who meets all of the following criteria is eligible to receive the AP Allowance:
- Co-operate with the Application Procedure
- Ongoing compliance and co-operation with the requirements of PHECC regarding ongoing registration as an AP
- Be currently registered on the AP (Post Graduate or above) Division of the Register as held by PHECC
- Be currently compliant with any CPC, FTP and Code of Ethics requirements as determined periodically by PHECC
- Be currently in the employment of the HSE and be prepared to carry out Advanced Paramedic practice where required to do so
- Be currently Authorised to Practice by the Medical Director
- Respond to emergencies as directed by the HSE
- Ongoing Garda Clearance.
David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context
1733. To ask the Minister for Health further to HSE HR Circular 011/2009 of 30 March 2009, the step-down process, and the criteria of same, which are in place today. [58186/25]
Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
No comments