John McGahon (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to discuss the concept of cross-Border health. The emergency department at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, is coming under more pressure because of the large population boom in north Dublin and parts of Meath, including Navan. The Border is causing a major problem in areas like Dundalk and Newry, particularly for Daisy Hill Hospital. The NHS views Daisy Hill Hospital as being on the edge of the world, which is why it is redirecting more services to Craigavon Area Hospital. It does not make sense that someone who has an accident in north Louth or east Monaghan is red-lighted all the way to Drogheda, Dundalk or another HSE site when he or she only lives 10 km or 15 km away from Daisy Hill Hospital. I am seeking a debate on how we might increase co-operation between both health services on the island of Ireland. The Minister for Health views increased co-operation positively, but he is hindered by the lack of a functioning Executive and a relevant health minister in Northern Ireland. When decisions are being made on health services along the Border, they should take into account the population in the vicinity on both sides of the Border rather than on just one side. If we could schedule a debate for the new year on improving cross-Border healthcare facilities, I would appreciate it.