150 Mr. Davern asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the charges by health boards for the use of ambulances in all instances including emergencies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9611/05]

The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Responsibility for the issue raised by the Deputy rests with the national hospitals office of the Health Service Executive. Accordingly, my Department has requested the director of the national hospitals office to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.