Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 February 2014
21. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the progress to date in the implementation of the recommendations of the North-South feasibility study on co-operation in the provision of health services on the island of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6916/14]
View answerThe North-South Feasibility Study, finalised in 2009, examined the potential for joint co-operation in health across an extensive range of health and social care services. It set out 10 priority recommendations and many of these are already being taken forward. Areas of ongoing collaboration include - child protection, cancer research, health promotion, suicide prevention, radiotherapy services, congenital cardiac surgery and a range of initiatives under the Interreg IVA funding initiative, which are being delivered by Co-operation and Working Together (CAWT). The Study was published on the websites of the Irish Department of Health and the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety in Northern Ireland in December 2011.
At a departmental level co-operation between the two jurisdictions is active and ongoing. "Transforming Your Care: a Review of Health and Social Care in Northern Ireland" also recommends co-operation on a number of key issues. The Deputy will be aware that I meet with Minister Poots, Minister for Health Social Services and Public Safety in Northern Ireland (DHSSPSNI) under the auspices of the NSMC to discuss and share experiences on a wide range of issues. My officials liaise with their counterparts in the DHSSPSNI on progressing areas of co-operation.
I am committed to working together with my Northern colleagues on issues of common concern and benefit.
