I propose to take Questions Nos. 870 to 872, inclusive, together.
The EU and the UK reached a deal on the Trade and Cooperation Agreement in late December 2020. The Agreement includes provisions relating to Social Security and health rights for certain categories of persons including pensioners. Social security and healthcare rights for pensioners are also provided for by the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement.
The question raised by the Deputy is a complex one and requires careful consideration of the interaction between the current EU Cross Border Directive and that of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement and the Withdrawal Agreement. This matter is currently being reviewed by officials and a response will issue to the Deputy when matter has been clarified.
In the interim the Deputy may wish to note that the Government has recently agreed to provide for the implementation of a new Northern Ireland Planned Healthcare Scheme from 1 January 2021 which will operate for 12 months. This will enable persons resident in Ireland to avail of healthcare from private providers in Northern Ireland and be reimbursed for that care by the HSE. The scheme and will operate on the same parameters as the EU Cross Border Directive scheme.
Finally, anyone wishing to seek care under the Directive or the NI Planned Healthcare Scheme should contact the HSE's CBD office at St Canice's Hospital, Dublin Road, Kilkenny, Tel: 056 7784546 or crossborderdirective@hse.ie to check their eligibility for these schemes.