James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 291: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the progress made in relation to the Programme for Government commitment to deepen all-Ireland co-operation in relation to health services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26811/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The areas of health cooperation covered by the Good Friday and St Andrews Agreements are being taken forward through the North South Ministerial Council. These include cooperation on Accident & Emergency, Emergency Planning, High Technology, Cancer Research and Health Promotion. Other areas which are currently the subject of cooperation include Suicide, Child Protection and Food Safety.

Since the restoration of the Executive in Northern Ireland, both my Department and the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety have agreed to undertake a Feasibility Study on the potential for future North/South cooperation. A Project Board representative of both Health Departments, the Health Service Executive and Cooperation And Working Together (CAWT) has been established to oversee the Study. The Study will consider joint cooperation in health across an extensive range of health services and a final report is expected shortly.