§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
How private ambulance organisations in Northern Ireland are accredited; and how their activities are monitored. [HL283]
§ Lord Williams of MostynThere are no provisions in Northern Ireland for the accreditation of private ambulance organisations. It is a matter for the purchasers of private ambulance services to ensure that adequate systems are in place for monitoring the service provided.
§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the £16.2 million promised to the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service for capita] investment in a press release of 3 July has been allocated; and what projects are included in the proposed investment. [HL284]
§ Lord Williams of Mostyn£4 million has been made available in the current and 2003–04 financial years for the development of the ambulance service in Northern Ireland. This funding has been earmarked for fleet replacement, refurbishment of training accommodation and the purchase of a fleet management system. The balance of the commitment on the development of the NI Ambulance Service will be addressed in future budgetary allocation decisions.