SIPTU members have expressed support for a motion which will go before Dublin City Council this evening (Monday, 9th January) calling for additional ambulances to be made available to be utlised by the Dublin Fire Brigade. SIPTU Public Administration and Community Organiser, John King, said: “The Health Information and Quality Authority has identified that there is a capacity issue in relation to the operation of the ambulance service in Dublin. We are aware that the management of Dublin Fire Brigade has advised Dublin City Council that it is prepared to put four additional ambulances on the streets immediately to deal with this.” He added: “However, it is understood that senior management in Dublin City Council is not prepared to approve the overtime payments that are essential for the deployment of these ambulances. This decision has been taken despite the clear need for an increase in ambulance services in Dublin in order to ensure the public are adequately catered for and in order to relieve some of the pressure on ambulance crews.” SIPTU Sector Organiser, Brendan O’Brien, said: “The position taken by the senior management of Dublin City Council on this issue is completely unacceptable. As well as placing the public, communities and businesses at unnecessary risk it is also placing undue strain on Dublin Fire Brigade paramedics.” He added: “The SIPTU Dublin Fire Brigade section committee is meeting this Wednesday (11th January). If the motion calling on the management of Dublin City Council to support the deployment of extra ambulance resources is not successful in achieving its aim, what further steps are necessary to protect our members and the quality of service they provide will be considered at that meeting.”
SIPTU supports council motion calling for extra ambulances for Dublin Fire Brigade
