Matt Carthy
Question:984. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health when the HSE will implement the new Northern Ireland planned healthcare scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10207/21]
View answerWednesday, 24 February 2021
Questions (984, 1035)
Pearse Doherty
Question:1035. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when the application process and guidelines will be available to new applicants for the Northern Ireland planned healthcare scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10530/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 984 and 1035 together.
Since 1 January 2021, the provisions of the EU Cross Border Directive (CBD) no longer apply to the UK. On the 28th December 2020 the Government approved the implementation of a new Northern Ireland Planned Healthcare Scheme. The new Scheme operational from 1 January 2021 for 12 months on an administrative basis will enable persons resident in the State to access and be reimbursed for private healthcare in Northern Ireland by the HSE, provided such healthcare is publicly available within Ireland. Patients are advised to contact the HSE CBD office directly for further information on how to make individual applications under the NI Planned Healthcare Scheme.
Furthermore, patients also continue to have access to health services under the EU CBD Scheme in all other remaining EU/EEA countries. In the context of the Covid-19 Pandemic, persons seeking to utilise these schemes should review and adhere to the public health guidance and restrictions in place at any point in time.