Vol. 545 No. 5
62 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Health and Children the matters discussed at his meeting on 16 November 2001 with the Northern Minister for Health, Bairbre de Brún; the discussions which were held regarding the possible establishment of an all-Ireland helicopter emergency service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30893/01]
The council discussed and approved a number of issues relating to the Food Safety Promotion Board including: its proposal to have a sub-office in Dublin; its corporate strategy and interim plan for the year 2001; the grading and remuneration of an initial staffing complement of 20 for the board; the composition of an advisory committee to the board; and a draft equality scheme.
The council also agreed in principle that the recommended candidate would be acceptable for appointment as chief executive to the board.
The council discussed the five areas identified for co-operation in health. It noted progress and endorsed further plans in relation to each. The areas in question are: accident and emergency services, planning for major emergencies, high technology equipment, cancer research and health promotion.
One of the papers put forward concerned a proposal relating to the commissioning of a feasibility study on an all-island helicopter emergency medical service, HEMS, with the costs for such a study being met jointly by my Department and the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety in Belfast. The council endorsed this proposal. The process of seeking tenders from consultants to undertake the feasibility study is at an advanced stage of preparation and will commence shortly.
