Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein)
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Question 797: To ask the Minister for Health the potential savings that can be made through all-island approaches to healthcare in orthopaedic surgery, ear, nose and throat surgery, paediatric cardiac surgery, cystic fibrosis, acute mental health services, cross-border out of hours general practitioner services and emergency services [36815/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I am very aware of the potential for savings which can be made through an all-island approach to healthcare in all of the above areas. There is already a very good level of cooperation in existence between the service providers in both jurisdictions in the border corridor, led and supported by the Co-operation & Working Together (CAWT) organisation, which has promoted positive working relationships and collaborative effort since it was established 20 years ago, and by Senior service managers in both jurisdictions. Minister Poots and are committed to working together on issues of common concern and benefit. This is of particular relevance in the current time when both jurisdictions are implementing change and pushing forward health reform.

At a departmental level co-operation between the two jurisdictions is active and ongoing. "Transforming Your Care: a Review of Health and Social Care in Northern Ireland" also recommends co-operation on a number of key issues. My officials are liaising with their counterparts in the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety in Northern Ireland on how to progress these issues.