Some 2000 Staff Are Needed To Address The Shortfalls In Emergency Services - SIPTU

Wednesday, 15 December 2021 16:03

By Caoimhe Harney

Representatives have said there is a chronic shortfall in personnel and services.

SIPTU has warned that 2000 staff and 100 new ambulances are needed to address the shortfalls in the services.

SIPTU representatives have expressed deep concerns over the high level of pressure on ambulance, fire and emergency services across the country.

Speaking at the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health, SIPTU Sector Organiser, Ted Kenny raised the issues affecting members with regard to meal breaks, extended duty and travelling large distances out of their geographical areas.

Kenny said in order for a proper discussion to take place on the resources required for the State’s ambulance services, it is an absolute imperative that the recommendations of the National Ambulance Service Capacity Review are fully resourced and implemented.

SIPTU Dublin Fire Brigade Organiser, Geoff McEvoy, commented: “The huge advances made by our members from the ground up are testament to our credibility in the area of improving the ambulance service through the development of personnel.

"However, the chronic shortage in both personnel and resources is adding significantly to the pressures on the service.”

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