Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The presentations on Tuesday were very interesting and we certainly got from them good examples of best practice in seeking co-operation between the North and the South. However, the point made about the need for strategic direction and strong leadership was made forcefully. The impression I got from the Minister was that he was discussing the practicalities of that co-operation and saying all-Ireland co-operation was not feasible in quite a number of areas because of the practicalities mentioned.

The Minister said there was an agreement on minimum pricing of alcohol. When does he expect to see progress being made on that matter to enable it to become a reality? Is there agreement in the two alcohol policies on anything else? As there is a new national drug strategy in motion, does the Minister envisage cross-Border co-operation or discussion on how we could co-operate in terms of the national drugs strategy.

One point that really struck me in one of the presentations on Tuesday concerned the exchange of data, in particular figures for inequality and health outcomes and life expectancy for persons who lived in poorer areas. I see a role for a greater working together on such data which could direct policy.

Co-operation and Working Together applies to Border counties. Does the Minister envisage it being extended on an all-Ireland basis, as a way to move certain practices forward?

I receive a lot of calls, as does everyone else, about hip and knee replacement operations in particular. Are there plans for further cross-Border co-operation on this issue under the cross-Border directive governing the purchase of treatment abroad?

My last question relates to rare disease, a matter which the Minister has mentioned. There are children who suffer from a rare disease in Donegal. For some of them the disease is terminal. With the pathways being developed, does the Minister see a way for these children to access services in Derry or Belfast? This would be of considerable benefit to their well-being and that of their families.