Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 April 2026
359. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health the reasons the independent review of roles and responsibilities at the National Ambulance Service has not been implemented; the progress to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27501/26]
View answerIt is disappointing that SIPTU and UNITE have notified the HSE of their decision to proceed with industrial action, up to and including strike action, in the National Ambulance Service. This issue has been the subject of extensive engagement over the last two years, including full use of the State’s industrial relations machinery through the Workplace Relations Commission and the Labour Court.
The HSE, the Department of Health and Department of Public Expenditure accepted both the WRC proposals and the subsequent Labour Court Recommendation in full — demonstrating good faith and a willingness to resolve the dispute. Both unions recommended those proposals to their members, but the proposals were rejected by their members in a ballot.
The Government Departments and the HSE have since demonstrated a clear willingness to re-engage to find a resolution. The unions declined that offer and instead moved immediately to a ballot for industrial action. The HSE, DoH and DPER remain fully committed to the dispute-resolution mechanisms under the Public Service Agreement 2024–2026. A ballot for industrial action at this point is unwarranted and risks unnecessary disruption to emergency care. At all times, the priority must be the safety of patients and the continuity of emergency services, and I strongly urge all parties to re-engage constructively and use the established State mechanisms to bring this matter to resolution in the interest of the public.
