Today the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, , and the Tánaiste, Simon
Coveney, jointly chaired a third conference call with the First
Minister , deputy First Minister
Michelle O’Neill, Health Minister and Minister for Health
Simon Harris to discuss the ongoing response to COVID-19.
They discussed the latest developments on a North/South and
East-West basis on the efforts to combat Covid-19.
They emphasised the importance of continuing the good engagement
that has taken place between Health Ministers. They reaffirmed
their commitment to continued close contact and work, through the
process set out in the memorandum of understanding, for the
benefit of all people across the island of Ireland.
They agreed that all our health and social care workers continue
to show extraordinary courage, and dedication, in their efforts
on the frontline to tackle this virus.
There is also no doubt that the responsibility shown by the
public in adhering to social distancing has made a huge
difference in controlling the spread of the virus and saving
lives. With public health measures under ongoing review in both
jurisdictions, it was agreed that it will be essential to
maintain strong North/South collaborative arrangements and,
wherever possible, consistency of approach.
Health Ministers and Chief Medical Officers will continue to work
in support of these objectives through the framework of the
Memorandum of Understanding and further developments in this
regard will be reviewed at the next meeting in this format.
