267. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Health if funding will be provided to continue the pathfinder programme in Tallaght and other areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22259/24]

Pathfinder involves the National Ambulance Service and health and social care professionals working together to respond and treat people in the comfort of their home. The service enables staff to treat and assess the patient as well as provide the appropriate supports and follow up care to the patient, so that the patient does not need to be transported to a busy Emergency Department to receive care when there is no clinical need. On the matter of funding for the delivery of the Pathfinder programme in Tallaght, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.