asked the Minister for Health if there is any special protection for ambulance drivers whilst driving in the course of their duty.

Ambulance drivers, when on duty, are obliged to exercise the same degree of care while travelling to the scene of an accident as any other road user. However, they are exempt from the speed limit and are allowed to use sirens and flashing lights when responding to an emergency to warn other drivers of their approach. The public usually facilitate the speedy passage of the ambulance in these instances. Ambulance drivers are fully comprehensively insured while driving in the course of their duties.