The Government must come to the table and invest in the National Ambulance Service (NAS) as industrial action looms, says Labour health spokesperson Duncan Smith TD.
Deputy Smith said a business case must be made by the HSE urgently to address the failure to implement the reforms of the ambulance service as per the ‘Roles and Responsibilities’ report.
“Reforms in Ireland’s NAS is long overdue.
“The report identified new structures for the service including revised pay scales that take account of the roles carried out by workers.
“It beggars belief that Government are still dragging their heels on such vital pay increases for such vital work.
“Our ambulance service is losing staff and is already totally overstretched. What sort of message does this lack of action send to potential recruits as well as hard working people in the Service?”
Deputy Smith says the revamp of the NAS is being “long fingered” when investment is “desperately needed.”
“Workers cannot continue to pay the price for Government inaction.
“Like all other workers, NAS staff are not immune from the high cost of living.
“Government needs to stop undervaluing the vital work these people carry out.
“We know that a fast response time by trained paramedics can be the difference between life and death.
“Resources need to be allocated in this area to ensure Ireland’s ambulance service is fully fit and functioning.”