Kieran McCarthy MLA said: “This really is a matter of life and death. I am extremely annoyed and deeply worried by this news.
“Rapid response vehicles do not offer the vital level of service that ambulances provide. They cannot transport people to hospital so they should not be considered an adequate replacement for ambulances.
“There is already massive concern over health cuts throughout this region. This news is another hammer blow for the people of Northern Ireland.
“Lives should never be put at risk to save money. I will battle against these cuts because our ambulance service is already stretched to breaking point.”
ENDS