Joe O'Reilly (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister and thank the Chairman for arranging these practical sessions. I welcome the confirmation by the Minister that solid moves are afoot on minimum unit pricing of alcohol in the Republic and co-ordination with Northern Ireland on the matter. That will be an important achievement for obvious reasons. As a representative of Cavan-Monaghan, it is critical that there is co-ordination on any new measure that is introduced because the alternative will be a major exodus to purchase alcohol. There is good co-operation on tobacco products, in which regard the recent initiatives in the Republic are to be commended.

I recently attended a briefing session with HSE officials in our region. Oireachtas Members and the officials referred to obstacles in providing good dental and orthodontic services arising from the difficulties in recruiting dentists. Does the Minister see potential in reducing dental waiting lists through North-South actions? He will be acutely aware this is happening on an informal basis in that people are travelling to Northern Ireland for orthodontic treatment.

I was proud to take part in the recent discussion in the Dáil on cochlear implants given their significance for so many people. Does the Minister see potential in North-South co-operation in hearing and specialist services? I was glad to hear him note that we will have specialist paediatrics services. I welcome the congenital cardiac abnormalities initiative. He correctly pointed out that while we cannot provide a physical building to house services for children in all of Ireland, we can provide specialist services in Belfast and Dublin.

I take his point that it would be easier to unite Ireland than to codify and bring together all the legislation and professional bodies to achieve harmonisation of qualifications. What initiatives might be taken to enhance staff mobility between North and South? Could that be done without complex legislative reforms?