Newly-qualified parademics given 16-week contracts despite promise of permanent roles

Protestors outside the Dail standing in solidarity with the newly-qualified paramedics who will have to reapply for their jobs. Picture: Moya Nolan

Newly-qualified paramedics have only been offered 16-week contracts and must reapply for their own jobs despite previous commitments for permanent contracts. 

Some 76 paramedics graduate this month from University College Cork. The course includes two years of work around the country with the National Ambulance Service while training. 

In past years graduates were offered permanent jobs on their training bases. 

This shock offer has left them “completely blindsided”. One said people are considering joining the army or emigrating.

Over 120 emergency workers came from across the country to protest at the Dáil on Tuesday.

Irish Society of Paramedicine chair James Mullen described the plan as “a curveball” for the paramedics. 

“These practitioners have until March 11 to either apply for this campaign or be at risk of losing employment,” he said.

Over 120 emergency workers came from across the country to protest at the Dáil on Tuesday. Picture: Moya Nolan

“It’s not acceptable and it’s not fair after they spent three years of their lives jumping through all the hoops for the National Ambulance Service (NAS).” 

It is unclear, he said, why they were offered “a further 16-week temporary contract and told they must reapply for the very positions they are already undertaking". 

They were also told they could be deployed anywhere, he added.

“This represents a significant change in established practice,” he said. 

 “There are 76 in this group and there are up to 400 in another six classes coming behind them. They will be in the same boat if this isn’t reversed.” 

NAS wrote to the group on December 18 last year, in an email seen by the Irish Examiner. 

It said: “You are covered by the exception date written into your contract meaning unless otherwise stated your permanent contract will start from 29/12/2025, when results are received.” 

One new paramedic said it “further solidified graduates’ legitimate expectation of a permanent contract". 

They were “completely blindsided” by the new plan.

“NAS could not tell us where the vacancies are, or where we could be sent. None of us know what’s being offered here," they said. 

“I’m being optimistic and hoping this works out, but there are lads talking about joining the Army or going to Australia.” 

Political support

Opposition parties including Labour and People Before Profit supported the protest.

Sinn Féin TD Ruairí Ó Murchú said: “People were taken on, in an apprenticeship in the role. They were out there helping people and now they’re being told they have to reapply. 

"They’re not sure whether they are going to be reallocated elsewhere or what is going to happen.” 

A HSE spokeswoman said graduates were asked to apply for permanent jobs under a panel system.

“Full-time, permanent contracts are available for all year-three graduates completing training with the National Ambulance Service in 2026,” she said.

However, she also said: “This single national campaign is expected to result in up to six regional panels from which existing vacancies in each health region will be filled as soon as practically possible.” 

Graduates can "select their three preferred locations in a region from the available vacancies", she said, and efforts will be made to accommodate first preferences.