Waterford councillor 'appalled' as newly-qualified paramedics left 'in limbo'  

West Waterford councillor Kate O’Mahoney has said she is “appalled” by the announcement that 80 newly-qualified paramedics will have to reapply for their own jobs.

Cllr O’Mahoney said in a post on social media that she has been contacted by a number of students and newly-qualified paramedics concerned about new changes to HSE NAS contracts.

“This makes zero sense and has left newly qualified paramedics in complete limbo. I cannot imagine the stress, frustration and upset that this has caused.

“This development risks undermining retention in the ambulance service - which is already at risk as paramedics may undertake strike action.

“Paramedics play such a crucial role in our society and it is not right that are not being treated with the upmost respect that they deserve.

“The Minister for Health and the HSE must step in immediately to reverse this situation, provide certainty to those affected and confirm that permanent jobs will be offered to those currently in post,” wrote Cllr O’Mahoney.

Final-year paramedic trainees are employed by the National Ambulance Service and are usually retained after their training.

However, RTÉ reported that almost 80 students were informed that their contracts would only be extended by 16 weeks to facilitate an internal recruitment process.

A petition has been started calling for the reconsideration of the change, and at time of publishing, that petition had 7,911 signatures.