Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow, John Brady, has said that strike action by National Ambulance Service workers could and should have been averted if there had been goodwill from Government and NAS management.
Deputy Brady said that paramedics, EMTs, advanced paramedics, specialist paramedics and supervisors need a properly funded workforce plan, fair recognition for their skills, and implementation of the outstanding recommendations of the 2020 review.
Teachta Brady said:
“Strike action by National Ambulance Service workers could and should have been averted with goodwill from Government, the HSE and NAS management.
“These workers are the backbone of pre-hospital emergency care. They save lives every day, yet they continue to face understaffing, burnout, frustration and a failure to recognise their skills and responsibilities.
“Paramedics and ambulance personnel need a properly funded workforce. The ambulance service cannot be expected to meet rising demand while workers are left carrying the burden of chronic staffing shortages and unresolved disputes.
“The Government and Minister for Health must ensure that the recommendations of the 2020 review are implemented without further delay.
“That means recognising the growing professionalisation of the service, addressing pay and conditions, and putting in place the staffing, regulation, management and governance needed for a modern ambulance service.
“The Minister must intervene, show leadership, and bring this dispute to an end. Continued failure will only deepen the crisis in pre-hospital emergency care and risk further disruption to services.”
ENDS