Previous contractual commitments given to newly qualified paramedics must be honoured, according to Social Democrats TD Pádraig Rice.
Deputy Rice, the party’s health spokesperson, made his comments after raising the issue in the Dáil today.
He said:
“For the first time, newly qualified paramedics will not be offered permanent contracts. Instead, this cohort of graduates have only been offered a short-term contract extension, and the opportunity to reapply and compete for jobs.
“Up until now, paramedics who successfully completed the training programme transitioned directly to permanent contracts. In December, this cohort of graduates were given that same assurance – that permanent contracts would be offered to them, subject to their exam results from UCC. However, that promise has been broken.
“Just after receiving their results, this cohort of graduates found out that they would have to compete for their current positions. This change will also almost certainly apply to current trainees when they graduate.
“All graduates and trainees had a legitimate expectation that they would be offered permanent contracts – so why has the rug been pulled out from under them?
“At a time when the National Ambulance Service (NAS) is understaffed, and staff morale is so low, this amounts to an act of self-sabotage.
“This week, the Taoiseach defended this decision but appeared to be misinformed about the nature of the process. He told the Dáil that graduates could select three preferred locations in a HSE health region when applying. However, this has been debunked by those affected.
“The NAS expression of interest document says that that those seeking permanent contracts must select a minimum of one, and maximum of three HSE health regions. The difference between selecting three locations and up to three regions is huge.
“Many of these graduates have made major financial commitments, based on the legitimate expectation that they would retain their current positions in their current locations. These includes mortgages, rental agreements and childcare.
“I raised this issue with the Tánaiste in the Dáil today, and he committed to engaging with the Minister for Health and the CEO of the HSE.
“Ultimately, this change to contractual arrangements is a major departure from long-established practice in the NAS – and it must be reversed.”
March 5, 2026