Michael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 882: To ask the Minister for Health if he is considering bilateral arrangements for acute hospital services between Erne Hospital Enniskillen and Sligo General Hospital; if these considerations include services which could be supplied to patients from Fermanagh by Sligo General; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41162/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Review of Health and Social Care in Northern Ireland, published in December last year, makes a number of references to co-operation between both jurisdictions. This includes a recommendation for the development of joint planning arrangements with the Republic of Ireland, including shared opportunities in tertiary and specialist care, procurement, services in the new hospital in the south west and services which straddle the border areas.

I support exploring areas of mutual interest where there is scope for co-operation and I have had discussions with Minister Poots in this regard. It is likely that this discussion will be further developed in the context of the implementation of the Northern Ireland Review.

I have asked the Health Service Executive to supply information to me on the specific matter raised in this question. When I receive that information, I will contact the Deputy about this matter.