Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. I neglected to say earlier that there had been a very interesting showcase earlier in Leinster House celebrating 45 years of our membership of the European Union. It was great to see a gentleman by the name of Michael explaining how he had benefited from the cross-border health initiative, whereby he had been able to have a bionic arm fitted following a very serious accident. I know it well from sending patients to the North. Last week we sent a group of 14 and I have another 14 read to go in less than ten days. We will not go into the ins and outs of why we have to use the initiative, but it is great to have it in place. Where we will be with it after Brexit is a worry. Will the service still be available for us and will we be able to avail of it? No one can yet answer us. That and other questions are still up in the air, but we will carry on the work.

I again thank the Minister of State who is always readily available to come before the committee which is appreciated by members. I also sincerely thank the departmental officials, the unsung heroes in this battle. They are working hard and diligently to try to ensure we will secure the best deal possible for the country and the people. Their work may not be acknowledged every day by politicians, but I want to do so today on behalf of the committee. I hope this message will be relayed to them because a great effort is being put into solving the problems and difficulties we face.