359. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health if he will purchase new ambulances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3069/16]

The NAS fleet has approximately 500 vehicles, travelling a combined 20 million km a year, including over 350 emergency ambulances, rapid response vehicles and intermediate care vehicles. In recent years, the NAS has made significant fleet investments, both in vehicles and in clinical and other technology. In 2015, 64 ambulances were refurbished or replaced under the vehicle replacement programme, at a cost of €9.4 m.

Further investment in vehicles and technology will be made in 2016 and I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy with the detailed information sought. If he has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow up the matter.