While awaiting confirmation of the outcome of today's ballot, the HSE has re-affirmed its commitment to the development and expansion of the National Ambulance Service. Any suggestion of the HSE moving to privatise the National Ambulance Service is mischievous and untrue.

As a number of different private contracts had existed under the former health board regime, the HSE was obliged to initiate a tendering competition under EU regulations. This would also guarantee patient safety, quality of service and a standardised approach.

It should be noted that this tender and the total work of the private companies represents less than four per cent of the total budget of the National Ambulance Service. It refers in the main to the transportation of patients - not emergency call outs.

However, the HSE is willing to continue the discussions with the representative bodies around this issue that were initiated in May last year. At that time a partnership sub group was established with a view to developing a National Framework Agreement on the role and function of private ambulance companies.

The HSE met with union representatives on six occasions in relation to this specific issue and is open to meet again to address ongoing issues. The HSE however, was obliged to go ahead with the tender process as to defer would have compromised patient safety. The tender process has now allowed for the HSE to standardise these transportation services and guarantee patient safety.

The HSE is committed to the ongoing expansion and development of the National Ambulance Service. Over the past twelve months, the HSE has made significant investment in the expansion of the National Ambulance fleet, the development of ambulance bases, the recruitment of Emergency Medical Technicians and the ongoing training of staff. This development will continue with planned recruitment and the development and ongoing education of ambulance staff, along with the development of ambulance bases over the coming years.

Speaking today, Mr Frank McClintock, Head of the National Ambulance Service said: "The HSE is totally committed to the development of the National Ambulance Service. The private companies represent a very small part of the work we do - our expenditure of less than 4% of our total budget clearly demonstrates this. In the main their work is focused on the transportation of patients rather than emergency call outs. We need our highly qualified and emergency personnel for emergency work. However, we also need to transport patients and we need to ensure the safety of those patients. But I would stress that we have met with the unions several times in relation to this issue and we continue to be open to meeting again to discuss their concerns."