Yesterday, I stood outside with paramedics who are protesting over the latest decision by the National Ambulance Service management. Every graduating class since the introduction of the paramedic studies course has seen an automatic move for paramedics from a purpose contract to a permanent contract but that no longer appears to be the case.

It is incredible, given the number of paramedics we need, that the management would now be putting roadblocks in the way of paramedics. It looks like management is saying we have too many paramedics, when in fact we all know we need many more. I am becoming increasingly concerned by some of the decisions being made by the management of the National Ambulance Service, NAS. It is privileging courses. It stopped advanced paramedic training and then reintroduced it. There are serious concerns.

I want to ask the Taoiseach specifically about the 80 fully qualified paramedics and the return to the move to a permanent contract. We need every one of them.

This issue was raised yesterday. The note I have here states that there will be continued expansion of the front-line workforce of the National Ambulance Service. Plans for 2026 include an additional 263 staff and €20 million in new funding. That will deliver 21 extra crewed ambulances operating at peak demand, four additional intermediate care vehicles and continued development of the clinical hub and alternative care pathways. The HSE has confirmed that full-time permanent contracts are available for all year 3 graduates completing training with the NAS in 2026. These roles include vacancies arising from retirements and promotions, as well as new posts linked to service development under the national service plan.

The graduates have been asked to select their three preferred locations in a region from the available vacancies and every effort will be made to accommodate first preferences.