Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 64: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the new pilot projects for cross-Border access to out of hours general practitioners services; when the projects will be extended along the entire Border; if discussions are underway for the establishment of a public general practitioner on-call service in the Dundalk and North Louth area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21307/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I am advised by the Health Service Executive (HSE) that Work has been underway over the last year under the auspices of Co-Operation and Working Together (CAWT) to introduce Cross-Border co-operation in the area of GP out of hours services. Interreg funding has been obtained for the project. This service will be of benefit to people across the border area who live closer to a GP out of hours centre in the other jurisdiction. Approximately 65,000 people across the border area live closer to a GP out of hours centre in the opposite jurisdiction.

A feasibility study has recommended the setting up of two pilot areas, each with populations of approximately 13,000 along the border, one where patients in the Republic will have access to a centre in Northern Ireland and one where patients in Northern Ireland will have access to a centre in the Republic.

I have been informed by the HSE that the two pilot areas are: Patients from Inishowen will be able to obtain a service in Derry commencing by end 2006. Patients from Keady will be able to obtain a service in Castleblaney commencing early 2007.

The respective Government Health Departments — the Department of Health and Children and the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety have met with the CAWT team and the Health Service Executive (HSE) to review progress. I welcome this service initiative and my Department will assist in addressing and resolving any obstacles at Government level to enable the service to begin.

In relation to the expansion of the doctor on call service to Dundalk and North Louth, the HSE have advised that GPs from this area have again recently been invited to give this matter their favourable consideration and to enter into discussions with the HSE in this regard.