Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 22 May 2001

Vol. 536 No. 5

Written Answers. - Cross Border Co-operation.

Cecilia Keaveney

Ceist:

88 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Health and Children the talks he has had with his counterpart in the Northern Executive to further cross Border co-operation at practical levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14541/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

I met with my counterpart, Minister Bairbre de Brún, Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety three times last year; in February, July and November. The February and July meetings took place in the context of the North South Ministerial Council in Health and Food Safety format. In November, Minister de Brún and I met on a bilateral basis.

At the North South Ministerial Council meetings, our discussions centred on issues concerning the Food Safety Promotion Board, which is one of the six North South Implementation Bodies, and on the agreed areas for enhanced North South co-operation in health. These areas are cancer research, health promotion, emergency planning, major emergencies and co-operation on high technology equipment. In addition to these issues, Minister de Brún and I were pleased to receive presentations on the work of two valuable cross-Border organisations, the Institute of Public Health and Co-operation and Working Together, CAWT, both of which will have a significant and on-going contribution to make in the area of North South co-operation.

I should also point out that contacts have taken place at official level. The most recent of these involved a meeting, last week, between my Department's Secretary-General and the Permanent Secretary of the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety. asked the Minister for Health and Children when he intends to introduce legislative measures to deal with the issue of retention and use of organs in hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter.