I 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.