Strike action by National Ambulance Service workers could have been averted.
That’s according to local Sinn Féin TD, Cathy Bennett.
Deputy Bennett believes that if there had been goodwill from the Government and NAS management, the strike action could have been averted.
She said that paramedics need a properly funded workforce plan and fair recognition for their skills.
The local TD also wants for the outstanding recommendations of the 2020 review to be implemented.
Deputy Bennett 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 are the backbone of pre-hospital emergency care. They save lives every day, yet they continue to face understaffing, burnout, frustration and a failure to recognise their skills and responsibilities.
“Paramedics and ambulance personnel need a properly funded workforce. The ambulance service cannot be expected to meet rising demand while workers are left carrying the burden of chronic staffing shortages and unresolved disputes.
“The Government and Minister for Health must ensure that the recommendations of the 2020 review are implemented without further delay.
“That means recognising the growing professionalisation of the service, addressing pay and conditions, and putting in place the staffing, regulation, management and governance needed for a modern ambulance service.
“The Minister must intervene, show leadership, and bring this dispute to an end. Continued failure will only deepen the crisis in pre-hospital emergency care and risk further disruption to services," she added.
