Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 November 2025
1732. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the current circular which governs eligibility for the allowance for advanced paramedics; the details of this circular and eligibility conditions; the details of all circulars which have governed this allowance; and the difference between them for eligibility. [58183/25]
View answerThe allowance is currently governed by HSE HR Circular 011/2009, issued on 30 March 2009 and effective from 1 January 2009.
To qualify for the Advanced Paramedic Allowance, personnel must:
• Be registered as an Advanced Paramedic with the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC).
• Have completed academic sign-off (e.g., by a Professor of General Practice) and be entered onto the Advanced Paramedic division of the PHECC register.
• Be actively practising advanced paramedic skills within the HSE ambulance service.
The allowance is pensionable, included in the calculation of overtime and other entitlements, and subject to general round increases.
In addition to the circular, the National Ambulance Service (NAS) follows internal procedures outlined in NASBS005 – Application and Removal of Advanced Paramedic Allowance
Eligibility under NASBS005 allows for any member or grade of NAS staff who meets all of the following criteria is eligible to receive the AP Allowance:
Co-operate with the Application Procedure
Ongoing compliance and co-operation with the requirements of PHECC regarding ongoing registration as an AP
Be currently registered on the AP (Post Graduate or above) Division of the Register as held by PHECC
Be currently compliant with any CPC, FTP and Code of Ethics requirements as determined periodically by PHECC
Be currently in the employment of the HSE and be prepared to carry out Advanced Paramedic practice where required to do so
Be currently Authorised to Practice by the Medical Director
Respond to emergencies as directed by the HSE
Ongoing Garda Clearance.
