Irish Community Rapid Response
Deputy Murphy asked why Irish Community Rapid Response was still waiting for approval to operate its helicopter service. Minister of State Jim Daly said the service had funding and equipment, but there was disagreement with the HSE over medical cover.
On Monday in Bantry I met with the chief executive of Irish Community Rapid Response, John Kearney. I was given a tour of its helicopter and Mr. Kearney went through the services the organisation will be offering people in Munster. It is ready to go but is waiting for the go-ahead from the Minister for Health, Deputy Harris. What is the hold-up and when will Irish Community Rapid Response get the go-ahead?
Comment on this
I will have to come back to the Deputy on that as it is a bit more complicated than how she has just presented it. It has the go-ahead, funds and the equipment. There is a difference of view between the organisation and the HSE on the medical cover necessary to be provided.
Comment on this
The Minister of State is blocking a good group.