asked the Minister for Health the number of cardiac ambulances in this country; where they are based; if he is satisfied with the present situation; if he thinks it would be an advantage to have hospital interns travelling with ambulances to accidents in order that optimum treatment may be initiated as soon as possible; and, if not, why.

There are no cardiac ambulances operating in this country at present. Agreement has, however, been reached with the Eastern Health Board for the provision of a cardiac ambulance service in the Dublin area, shortly. Arrangements are at present being made for the training of the ambulance men in the use of the special equipment to be installed in the ambulances. In the meantime an ambulance service for medical emergencies, including cardiac cases, is being provided in Dublin by the fire brigade ambulance service.

As regards the Deputy's suggestion that hospital interns might travel with ambulances to accidents I am advised that it would be difficult to arrange that the interns would be immediately available to accompany the ambulances, particularly in areas such as Dublin where the ambulances are not stationed at hospitals. Such an arrangement could also cause delays in the ambulances reaching the injured.

I would remind the Deputy that at present ambulance crews undergo intensive training courses which cover external cardiac massage resuscitation and first aid.

Is the Minister satisfied with one cardiac ambulance in the Dublin area?

No. There will be six.

Is the Minister aware that it is some months since he privately gave the undertaking that the Eastern Health Board would provide a cardiac service in the very near future and that since the private service was withdrawn there has been pressure on the single service provided by the Dublin Fire Brigade? Can the Minister give any indication when those ambulances will be provided?

I hope next month.

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