'Minister must intervene as ambulance strike could and should have been averted' – Mac Lochlainn and Doherty

SIPTU and Unite members in the Republic of Ireland will begin a 24-hour strike on Tuesday, with around 2000 members undertaking a work-to-rule on Monday.

Deputies McLochlainn and Doherty said that paramedics, EMTs, advanced paramedics, specialist paramedics and supervisors need a properly funded workforce plan, fair recognition for their skills, and implementation of the outstanding recommendations of the 2020 review.

Teachta Mac Lochlainn said: “Strike action by National Ambulance Service workers could and should have been averted with goodwill from Government, the HSE and NAS management.

“These workers save lives every day and are the backbone of pre-hospital emergency care, yet they continue to face understaffing, frustration, burnout and a failure to recognise their responsibilities and skills.

“Ambulance personnel and paramedics need a properly funded workforce. The ambulance service cannot be expected to meet increasing demand while workers are left carrying the burden of chronic staffing shortages and unresolved disputes."

Teachta Doherty added:

“Government must ensure that the recommendations of the 2020 review are implemented without further delay.

“That means addressing pay and conditions, recognising the growing professionalisation of the service, and putting in place the staffing, regulation, management and governance needed for a modern ambulance service.

He continued: “The Minister for Health must show leadership, intervene and bring this dispute to an end.

"Continued failure will only risk further disruption to services and deepen the crisis in pre-hospital emergency care”.