I am here again to speak about sports capital and arts capital. It is hugely welcome but I have asked - and I have the Minister's ear red on this - that areas that have not been supported before be given priority. The town of Arklow has 16,000 people but no venue to put on a show and no town park. These areas must be helped. I welcome the work the Minister has done to date but ask him to please prioritise Arklow and other towns like it throughout Ireland.

Sentiment score: 0.01

86. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Health for an update on developments with the ambulance service in the south east; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64352/25]

Sentiment score: -0.12

It would be remiss of me not to take this opportunity to mention that people from north Wexford have experienced a number of serious medical emergencies abroad. I thank the Minister and her staff for their prompt response and service in these sensitive matters for the families concerned. The responses by the Departments of Health and Foreign Affairs and Trade and the HSE have been really appreciated by the families. One case is still ongoing and I am working closely with the family on it. I must mention one of the Minister's staff, Bríd, who has been more than helpful. My question asks for an update on developments with the ambulance service in the south east.

Sentiment score: 0.32

I welcome the strong investment. The Gorey and Arklow area is one of the fastest-growing areas in Ireland. When we add in the coastal area between Castletown and Cahore, there are an extra 40,000 people every summer. The capacity really is stretched. I ask for continued investment in specialised advanced paramedics and community paramedics, who provide a vital service in communities. Second, what is the status of the promised national ambulance training college in the area? The model in Limerick was rolled out very successfully. I understand we are looking at the nursing residential triage tool that allows patients in nursing homes to be treated in situ.

Sentiment score: 0.27

I ask the Minister to give a further commitment of funding for non-emergency patient services. In my constituency, Arklow Cancer Support is an example of a charity doing incredible work providing a wonderful transport service for vulnerable cancer patients to and from appointments. It operates on a shoestring and spends a huge amount of time and effort on fund-raising. All the measures we have discussed will put less pressure on Wexford hospital, which provides an excellent service in the south east but is stretched. Although this issue is under the remit of the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, I must point out that the lack of acute mental health services is a real issue in the south east. The measures I outlined will put less pressure on Wexford hospital.

Sentiment score: 0.00