Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 7 September 2018
836. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the status of the cross-border directive specifically in respect to the United Kingdom in the event of a no-deal Brexit; if he is making provisions for such a scenario; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36303/18]
View answer837. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the status of appointments to be scheduled under the cross-border directive for March 2019 and beyond; if those appointments will be honoured; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36304/18]
View answer838. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health his plans to halt the cross-border directive in view of the uncertainty surrounding the situation post-Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36305/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 836 to 838, inclusive, together.
There is no question that Brexit poses very significant and serious challenges to Ireland’s economy and trade, as well as across a range of other sectors, including healthcare. Detailed work is underway in the Department of Health, to prepare for the UK’s exit. This includes contingency planning for all possible scenarios.
The Irish and UK Governments are committed to maintaining the reciprocal rights of access to healthcare for both Irish and UK citizens to publicly funded health services. Technical discussions, involving the Department's of Health from Ireland, Northern Ireland and the UK on how to maintain these arrangements post-Brexit are currently ongoing includes work on the Cross Border Directive.
It is important to emphasise that at present there are no changes to patient care, as the UK continues to be a full member of the EU. Indeed until the UK formally withdraws from the European Union, it remains a full Member with all of its existing rights and obligations.
