In 2011 the accident and emergency department at Roscommon was closed. At that time a commitment was made by Fine Gael that there would be 24-7 advanced paramedic cover because we were further away from the nearest accident and emergency department. This commitment was made. Five years ago we had 13 advanced paramedics in the Roscommon ambulance base. Today we have three. The NAS keeps telling me it cannot fill the post yet at the same time it has suspended the training of advanced paramedics and has done so since early 2023. Just this morning on the radio there was a discussion about sepsis; 3,000 people die of sepsis every year in Ireland. An advanced paramedic can give the IV antibiotic but a paramedic cannot, and can only provide paracetamol and oxygen. An advanced paramedic is critical in a county like Roscommon where we do not have an accident and emergency department. I ask that the commitment made be honoured. This is life and death in some circumstances.

I thank Deputy Kerrane for raising the issue. I know all too well the importance of advanced paramedic cover. The Deputy is quite right to highlight the difference between it and more regular paramedic cover. I would be interested and will inquire with the Minister for Health as to what is behind that fall-off in numbers. I will talk to the Minister, Deputy Stephen Donnelly and revert to the Deputy directly.