Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 November 2018
447. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if there has been correspondence with his Department or the HSE from the Health and Social Care Board or the Department of Health in Northern Ireland in relation to the provision of perinatal and paediatric pathology services in Northern Ireland; the options explored in providing this service or accommodating the service to be provided here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48130/18]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that senior health officials from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland recently met and agreed to examine the feasibility of cross-border co-operation in the provision of perinatal and paediatric pathology services. However, it is important to acknowledge at this stage that any outcomes from further discussions in this regard can only be deliverable in the medium to longer term, due to current capacity constraints and the time required for new trainees to specialise in this area.
