Vol. 559 No. 6
187 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Health and Children when the long-awaited report on the urgent need for an all-Ireland helicopter emergency medical service, commissioned by his Department and the Northern Ireland Health Department, is due to be published in view of the fact that it is long overdue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27011/02]
My Department and the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety in Belfast have commissioned a feasibility study and report on the costs and benefits associated with the introduction of a dedicated helicopter emergency medical service – HEMS – for the island of Ireland. Preparation of the report of the study is at an advanced stage and it is expected that it will be finalised early in the new year.
