David Hall says Life Line Ambulance company has returned to profit
Mr Hall said the firm posted profits in the year to the end of June 2015 of around €80,000.
He was rmarking on new accounts filed by Leixlip-based Life Line Ambulance Ltd that confirmed losses in its 2014 fiscal year.
He also said revenues in the 12 months to the end of June 2015 totalled €4.3m, up from €4.1m in the previous year. The firm tapped new finance in 2016, which it used to buy new ambulances.
“We have a fleet of over 30 ambulances and have ordered 10 new vehicles with the first six arriving next week,” he said.
Mr Hall said the reasons for the 2014 loss include the company’s claim the HSE was failing to comply with its contract with his firm.
The firm has a framework agreement with the HSE through a public tender in which Life Line Ambulance is the largest provider of private ambulances.
Mr Hall said the alleged breaches “have caused significant damage to the business and is now the subject of legal proceedings”.
He said: “We believe the HSE is not adhering to the contract by offering the first call to us before moving on to the next provider as we are the number one provider.”
Life Line has already lost a High Court case against the HSE for anti-competitive practices and breach of contract in 2012. This has been appealed to the Supreme Court.
A note attached to the accounts says “the directors believe that with new evidence that has come to light and together with other considerations, that they can win the court case on appeal.”
The business employs 60 full-time and 30 part-time staff. Mr Hall said: “Like any business, changes have had to be made to streamline costs and efficiencies which have been successful hence the return to profitability.”
Mr Hall and Sarah Hall last year shared €217,817 in payments, while Mr Hall received €115,267 in rent from his firm. The firm’s cash fell from €353,819 to €186,112 in 2014.
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