Midleton ambulance reduction
Deputy Buckley warned that removal of the Midleton ambulance posed risks for east Cork and said he was not getting answers from the health services. The Chair said the matter was more suitable for questions or Topical Issue, but the Taoiseach still promised to ask the HSE and National Ambulance Service to respond.
On Thursday, 9 February I raised concerns with the Minister for Health, Deputy Harris, about the reduction in the ambulance service in east Cork and Midleton. He assured me that he would come back to me on the matter. As of last Monday, the ambulance service has been removed from Midleton. This raises major concerns in east Cork. This ambulance covers over 50,000 people and nothing has been done. Now we are being served by a rapid response vehicle. I am not getting answers from the National Ambulance Service or the HSE. Will the Taoiseach support the people to whom I refer?
Comment on this
I am still asking for support because it is a major issue and will cost lives.
Comment on this
I am glad the Ceann Comhairle is pointing out to Deputies that this business is on legislation. The question asked by the good Deputy is not on legislation but on the provision of a facility. In light of the fact that he has raised it, however, I will ask the HSE and the National Ambulance Service to respond to him.