Health authorities agree to co-operate in virus battle

A memorandum of understanding (MOU), which has been signed by the departments of health on either side of the border, focuses on facilitating greater co-operation on messaging, research and public health measures.

Other areas will also be considered including procurement.

It comes following apparent confusion when Stormont finance minister Conor Murphy said he had agreed a deal with Dublin for an order of personal protective equipment from China which did not materialise.

The Republic of Ireland’s Department of Health later said it had not been possible to place the joint order, due to what it said was “the context of what is an increasingly challenging international environment” for such equipment.

The new memorandum was agreed by Irish health minister Simon Harris and Northern Irish health minister Robin Swann, as well as the two chief medical officers – Dr Tony Holohan and Dr Michael McBride — and has the support of both administrations.

Mr Harris said there has already been “significant engagement” throughout the pandemic.

“This MOU will ensure timely and responsive communications and decisions in a fast-moving environment; that both administrations will seek to adopt similar approaches, where it is appropriate to do so on the advice of respective chief medical officers,” he said.

“I want to thank my colleagues in Northern Ireland for their co-operation to date. This is a global pandemic. It knows no borders and we are all in this together. It is essential we continue to do everything we can across the island to fight this pandemic.”

Mr Swann added: “I want to acknowledge the ongoing collaborative work between my department, the Public Health Agency and Health and Social Care Board and their counterparts in the Republic of Ireland.

“This has been the case from day one and is a reflection of the long-standing cooperation and relationships built up over many years.

“We face a common challenge, a challenge that will test us as never before.

“We will continue to do everything possible to work together for the best possible outcome.”

Northern Ireland’s chief medical officer Dr McBride said it is essential the two administrations work together over Covid-19.