Ambulance Service

Wednesday, 24 June 2026

Ceisteanna (317)

Donna McGettigan

Ceist:

317. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Health which was changed during Covid to one paramedic and an EMT and has never been changed back (details supplied); if she will ensure the previous standards are reinstated; her views that the current requirement constitutes a reduction in the level of care; if she will ensure that no new deal with unions will include the continuation of the current requirement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48331/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health (Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill)

PHECC have advised my Department that the current PHECC minimum crewing model for an emergency ambulance is two PHECC-registered practitioners, one of whom must be at the level of Paramedic or higher.

Whilst a temporary crewing model was in place to respond to the particular circumstances of COVID-19, the minimum crewing model in place today is unchanged from that which pertained prior to COVID-19.

I welcome the decision by SIPTU and UNITE to recommend acceptance of the recent Labour Court recommendation to their members. This is a positive step forward, and I look forward to working with all parties to bring this matter to a successful conclusion.