Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 February 2021
834. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health if the details and protocols for the orthodontics treatment aspect of the planned Northern Ireland healthcare scheme have been agreed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8514/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 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, such as orthodontic treatment. It should be noted that the scheme operates on parameters similar to the EU Cross Border Directive. Patients are advised to contact the HSE CBD office directly for further information on individual applications and types of treatment available 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.
