As the Taoiseach is aware, first responders play a critical role in our emergency services, but approximately one year ago a decision was made to prevent the officer group from taking the officer response vehicle to their place of residence. In December, I witnessed first hand a medical emergency on Main Street, Gorey. The ambulance and first responders were called. The first responders arrived in their own cars and were first on the scene. They did everything possible to assist the victim. Later that day, I went to their base to thank them and was shocked to see the officer response vehicle parked up in a corner. The vehicle could have provided vital medical assistance to first responders, but for the officer to drive to from their residence to collect the vehicle would have delayed the response, especially on a busy Saturday. I have no doubt that situations like this have been replicated the length and breadth of Ireland. This is having a detrimental impact on the ability of these highly skilled professionals to respond to accidents within the quickest possible time frame and with the best equipment to hand.

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