SIPTU has reacted angrily to press reports that its long running dispute with the Southern Health Board (SHB) over ambulance drivers might have contributed to the death of a 63 year old Tralee woman on January 9th.
Mr Donal Tobin of SIPTU said yesterday that, while the dispute over ambulance drivers had been going on for the past two years the union had never undertaken disruptive action. Ambulance cover on the day in question was "normal".
At the time Mrs Margaret Everett collapsed in Tralee only one ambulance was on duty. It was attending another call at Castleisland, but returned immediately. The crew arrived within nine minutes of receiving the call.
Mr Tobin said that the union had offered to allow the deployment of more drivers in jobs which were in dispute in order to improve emergency cover. The SHB had declined this offer on cost grounds.
Yesterday the health board said that it had attempted to improve the ambulance service in 1995, but SIPTU had rejected its proposals. It had abided by the status quo to avoid the threat of all out action by the union.
A Labour Court recommendation aimed at resolving the dispute is expected next week.