Vol. 547 No. 1
587 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the terms of reference for the study of the feasibility of the all-Ireland helicopter emergency medical service; when he will appoint consultants to undertake this study; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1944/02]
The Deputy will be aware that under the Good Friday Agreement a number of areas were identified where North-South co-operation might be developed or enhanced. One of the working groups established to examine the area of planning for major emergencies – the cross-Border working group on pre-hospital emergency care – proposed the commissioning of a feasibility study on an all-island helicopter emergency medical service or HEMS. The proposal for the feasibility study was endorsed at the meeting of the North-South Ministerial Council on 16 November 2001.
The advertisement inviting tenders for the feasibility study appeared in national newspapers on 24 January 2002. The closing date for receipt of tenders is 14 February 2002 and it is expected that the successful tenderer will be appointed shortly thereafter. I will forward the terms of reference for the study to the Deputy under separate cover.
