Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 244: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will report on the work of the North-South unit in her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34208/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

A designated North-South co-ordination unit within the international unit has been operating in my Department since 2001. Its primary role is to co-ordinate the Department's responsibilities arising from the Good Friday Agreement generally and to act as the focal point for the North-South health agenda in particular.

With the establishment of the North-South Ministerial Council, the health agenda became more formalised when five areas were designated for health co-operation. These areas are accident and emergency services, planning for major emergencies, cancer research, high technology equipment and health promotion. While the council has not met since the suspension of devolved government in Northern Ireland, North-South contacts continue in these areas and progress continues to be made.

The Department continues to build on the relationships formed and the projects initiated with the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety and with other contacts in Northern Ireland. Primary among these contacts is CAWT — co-operation and working together. The two health Departments are fortunate to have available to them the services of CAWT as a major instrument in North-South joint co-operation activities.

As the Deputy will be aware, CAWT is an informal grouping representative of the health authorities North and South in the Border area. Its aim is to improve the health and social well being of the population in this area. CAWT has been commissioned by both health Departments to carry out project work in the context of the North-South Ministerial Council agenda and is also acting as the delivery agent for the health and well-being measure of the EU INTERREG IIIA programme. In the latter capacity, CAWT has been successful in having 30 projects approved for funding which will account for approximately €10 million over the life of the programme. In line with Government policy, my Department continues to seek new initiatives and new opportunities for North-South co-operative ventures and will continue to pursue these and to act on them as opportunities arise.