Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)

The Deputy is absolutely correct that there is significant potential for a high level of co-operation between our health service and its equivalent in the North. Many of the possibilities are being explored actively. There is much potential for synergy. Just last weekend, I met two of my counterparts, Mr. McCann and Mr. Bell, on co-operation in respect of drugs and alcohol. We will be working closely in this regard. The Minister, Deputy Reilly, and I met Mr. Poots some months ago and the issue raised by the Deputy was very much to the fore. There is much potential and it is being pursued actively. I thank the Deputy for raising the matter.

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