James Leonard
Question:40 Mr. Leonard asked the Minister for Health the discussions, if any, he has had with health boards in Northern Ireland for joint purchasing of drugs and equipment with health boards in the South. [3723/95]
Written Answers. - Purchasing of Drugs/Equipment.
Limerick East): There are regular discussions between officials of my Department and Northern Ireland health service officials in regard to joint purchasing issues.
However, in regard to drug purchases, these are the subject of a centrally negotiated pricing agreement between my Department and the Federation of Irish Chemical Industries and accordingly, this area has not been a focus of North-South co-operation.
In regard to equipment purchases, arrangements are being put in place to facilitate such co-operation where this would be practical and of mutual benefit.