The HSE is planning to take over control of Dublin's ambulance service from the Dublin Fire Brigade, as part of a revamp of the services.

The HSE says in the absence of control over the Fire Brigade's ambulance services, run by Dublin City Council, it is constrained in its plans to develop an integrated national service.

The takeover plan was drawn up ahead of the recent announcement of a HSE/city council review of Dublin's ambulance services.

Serious issues have recently been revealed with ambulance response times around the country.