Home / Crime and Justice / Irish Ambulance Watchdog Bans 12 Convicted Paramedics
Irish Ambulance Watchdog Bans 12 Convicted Paramedics
21 Mar
Summary
- Twelve paramedics with criminal and sexual convictions are no longer registered.
- The ambulance watchdog refused to renew registrations for these individuals.
- No current obligation exists to report paramedics with convictions to the regulator.
Twelve paramedics, including eight with sexual offense convictions, have been removed from the Irish paramedic register by the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC). This regulatory action stems from a HR review at the National Ambulance Service (NAS), initiated after investigative reporting highlighted concerns.
The PHECC confirmed that these individuals can no longer practice in Ireland, as their registrations were not renewed. However, the regulator also acknowledged that there is currently no legal obligation for employers or paramedics to report criminal convictions to PHECC. This loophole means more individuals with serious convictions may still be working as paramedics without being identified by the watchdog.
National Ambulance Service Director Robert Morton assured staff that Garda vetting is conducted regularly. The Health Service Executive (HSE) also stated that staff in relevant public-facing roles are re-vetted every three years. Despite these assurances, the NAS has dismissed former staff following revelations of criminal convictions.
Concerns have been raised regarding the PHECC's ability to regulate the workforce effectively, including its limitations in conducting fitness-to-practice inquiries and preventing paramedics from voluntarily removing themselves from the register. Efforts are underway between PHECC and the Department of Health to address legislative gaps and enhance regulatory powers.
