Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 February 2025
1031. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health to implement a significant increase in ambulance cover for the residents of County Kerry and the tens of thousands of annual visitors to the county (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2173/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra1033. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health to take into consideration the geography and accessibility issues in west and south Kerry in emergency situations, by giving strong consideration to locating an air ambulance service on Valentia Island in conjunction with Valentia Coastguard Service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2179/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1031 and 1033 together.
As the Deputy may be aware, the South-West of the country is served by a dedicated HSE Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) which is based in Rathcool, Co Cork.
The HEMS service, operated by the National Ambulance Service in conjunction with a private aviation provider, is the first publicly-funded aeromedical service covering the Munster region. The service provides patients with access to lifesaving prehospital emergency care interventions at the scene by highly trained advanced or specialist paramedics and swift transfer to further definitive care.
The South-West of the country is also covered by the Irish Coast Guard (IRCG) who provide additional national HEMS support to the NAS on an ‘as available’ basis from their bases in Shannon, Dublin, Sligo and Waterford.
Regarding the Deputy's specific questions concerning a dedicated air ambulance service for the Kerry and West Cork coastlines and further land ambulance resourcing in Co Kerry, as these are service matters I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
