Denise Mitchell (Dublin Bay North, Sinn Fein)
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318. To ask the Minister for Health the changes which have been made to the long-established process of automatic progression for paramedic graduates into full time employment with the National Ambulance Service; the rationale for any changes to this process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17743/26]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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The National Ambulance Service (NAS) is committed to continued expansion of its frontline workforce in 2026 through a series of planned new developments, and graduates completing the Paramedic programme this year will all be eligible to apply for permanent roles. Each year, the NAS undertakes a competitive recruitment process to select a cohort of Student Paramedics to complete the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Paramedic Studies and progress to registration with the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC). The 2025 campaign generated significant interest, attracting more than 1,000 applications. This structured education and training pathway provides the HSE with a sustainable pipeline of newly qualified and registered Paramedics. Graduates play a vital role in maintaining workforce capacity by filling vacancies arising from retirements and promotions, as well as supporting the creation of new posts linked to new service development under the National Service Plan. It is essential that NAS can prioritise the placement of these graduates to fill vacant or new development roles in areas prioritised for expansion, based on service activity and with the greatest operational need. The HSE met with trade unions on the 6th of February to advise them of the challenges they face in progressing Year 3 Paramedics to permanent posts under the current processes. During this engagement, NAS outlined three specific elements of the existing process that require amendment to ensure that vacant, funded positions can be filled in a timelier manner. These changes are necessary to enable the successful Year 3 cohort to apply for available funded positions as they arise. To ensure continuity of service delivery during this recruitment process, temporary contract extensions have been put in place for current graduates. All access to permanent employment within NAS is governed by the HSE’s employment and expenditure controls applicable in any given year.