Cavan/Monaghan Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith has received confirmation from the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, T.D., that the Northern Ireland Planned Healthcare Scheme, which replaced the EU Cross-border Health Directive following Britain’s exit from the European Union, will continue on an administrative basis beyond the end of this year pending enactment of legislation.
“Through Questions in Dáil Éireann on Promised Legislation I had asked An Tánaiste if he would confirm that this Scheme would continue beyond the end of 2021 on an administrative basis if the necessary legislation was not in place by that time.
An Tánaiste replied –
“I confirm that is the intention of Government but we need primary legislation to put a new scheme on a statutory footing. If we cannot get that done in time we intend to continue the existing arrangements on an administrative basis if possible. I will ask the Minister, Deputy Stephen Donnelly, to confirm that but that is my understanding of the position”, stated An Tánaiste.
In his comments in Dáil Éireann Deputy Brendan Smith stated that the present Scheme and its predecessors enabled large numbers of patients to access treatment and surgery, or both, in Northern Ireland paid for by this State. He added that these were typically patients on long hospital waiting lists and that access to spare hospital capacity in Northern Ireland is an important part of our healthcare delivery, particularly in orthopaedics and cataracts.
I welcome confirmation from the Office of the Minister for Health that this Scheme will continue on an administrative basis pending enactment of the necessary legislation, concluded Deputy Brendan Smith.
Extracts from Dáil Debate below –
debate Thursday, 14 Oct 2021
Vol. 1012 No. 6
Dáil Éireann debate –
Thursday, 14 Oct 2021
Vol. 1012 No. 6
Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh – Questions on Promised Legislation
Deputy Brendan Smith
The Northern Ireland planned healthcare scheme was put in place earlier this year to replace the EU cross-Border directive following Britain’s exit from the European Union. The scheme and its predecessors enable large numbers of patients to access treatment and surgery, or both, in Northern Ireland, paid for by this State. These were typically patients on long hospital waiting lists. I understand the scheme is due to finish at the end of this year. Could an Tánaiste give me a categorical assurance that this scheme will continue beyond the end of 2021 on an administrative basis if the necessary legislation is not in place by that time? Access to spare hospital capacity in Northern Ireland is an important part of our healthcare delivery, particularly in orthopaedics and cataracts.
The Tánaiste
I confirm that is the intention of Government but we need primary legislation to put a new scheme on a statutory footing. If we cannot get that done in time we intend to continue the existing arrangements on an administrative basis if possible. I will ask the Minister, Deputy Stephen Donnelly, to confirm that but that is my understanding of the position.
ENDS 19th October 2021