asked the Minister for Health what is the attitude of the Government with regard to Recommendation 342 on the ratification of Council of Europe agreements on medical matters, which was adopted by the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe on 15th January 1963; and what action the Government have taken, or contemplate taking on it.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Council of Europe Recommendations.
14.
The Recommendation referred to, which was made by the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe, is to the effect that the Committee of Ministers of the Council should invite member countries which have not yet signed or ratified agreements relating to the following medical matters, to do so without delay:
(1) The exchange of war cripples with a view to medical treatment.
(2) The exchange of therapeutic substances of human origin.
(3) The temporary importation, free of duty, of medical and surgical equipment.
(4) Mutual assistance in the matter of special medical treatments and climatic facilities, and
(5) The exchange of re-agents for blood grouping.
The agreements on the first four of the matters mentioned have been signed, without reservation as to ratification, on behalf of the Government of Ireland. The remaining agreement— that concerning the exchange of blood-grouping re-agents—is under examination with a view to this country acceding thereto.