I welcome that additional staff have been employed. It is still not enough, however. More needs to be done. The National Ambulance Service used to make data available to help inform policymakers in coming forward with constructive solutions. Data indicates that the number of people who died by the time an ambulance actually reached their homes was up 70% in the eight years prior to 2024. There were over 95,000 instances in 2022 of people waiting more than one hour. However, when Sinn Féin recently sought updated information, the National Ambulance Service told us that there is no operational imperative to do so and that there is little or no clinical evidence underpinning response-time targets. That is despite coroners having found evidence of ambulance service capacity being the root cause of a person's death. Does the Minister think this information is relevant and important and that it should be made available to Members?

Sentiment score: -0.04

I find it hard to believe that there are 263 posts that we cannot fill. I do not know if this is down to how we are advertising these posts that they are not being filled. As stated, this information, which I asked for previously, is very important in order that we can inform policy decisions. We cannot fix what is not measured. In terms of what needs to be done in order that the right people across the State have the ambulance service that they deserve and need, however, a few things are apparent. Our dedicated and highly educated newly qualified paramedics need a clear pathway to permanent employment in the National Ambulance Service. They are well needed because the service, by its own admission, is massively short-staffed by 2,000 workers. In Cavan and Monaghan, we need a 24-7 advanced paramedic. At a time when we have seen an overwhelming vote by National Ambulance Service workers for industrial action, up to strike action, will the Minister intervene on these matters?

Sentiment score: 0.14

Could I just ask about the 24-7 advanced paramedic that was taken away from Cavan and Monaghan?

Sentiment score: 0.25

Sorry. That is okay. I will table a parliamentary question to the Minister.

Sentiment score: 0.05