Vol. 469 No. 3
52 Mr. Leonard asked the Minister for Health if he has satisfied himself with the progress being made at cross-Border level in the provision of highly specialised treatments on an island wide basis and the procurement of equipment and supplies. [17396/96]
Limerick East): Cross-Border co-operation between the health services here and in Northern Ireland takes place both at national level and between individual health boards and health agencies in Northern Ireland. At the national level, twice-yearly meetings to discuss matters of mutual interest and concern take place between myself and my counterpart in Northern Ireland. The established areas of co-operation include the initiative for an all-Ireland Institute of Public Health and the disposal of healthcare waste. A long-term solution to the problem of transporting, treating and disposing of healthcare waste is being developed on an all-island basis and proposals from potential contractors for such services are currently being examined by a joint working group.
While opportunities for joint action in the area of service provision are discussed, as necessary, at ministerial level, the development of joint initiatives in the provision of particular services also falls to the appropriate health agencies who can also identify opportunities for joint action. I am aware of a number of instances where health boards co-operate with health agencies in Northern Ireland in the provision of particular services. In addition, where it is to the advantage of all concerned, the purchase of major items of medical equipment may be negotiated on a joint basis as, for example, in the purchase of MRI scanners for the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast and Beaumont Hospital.
