Mark Wall (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the guests today. I thank the Chairman for facilitating this debate. It has already been very worthwhile for the committee.

I have a couple of questions for the panel. Do we have any socioeconomic data on the types of people availing of the scheme? It would be important to find out whether such data are collected by the HSE or the Department. I am referring to data on where the people are coming from within our borders and to the socioeconomic background of those availing of the scheme.

My next question is on what is happening with our EU partners. Are they supportive of the fact that we are now opting for a new scheme? I totally welcome the new scheme, which has been called the Northern Ireland planned healthcare scheme. Have there been conversations with our EU partners? Are they welcoming of the fact that the new scheme is being introduced, albeit for 12 months?

I welcome the initial percentages Mr. O'Connor has given us on the number of people going to Northern Ireland. Obviously it is much more convenient to travel to the North than to elsewhere in Europe.

On my last question, Senator Gallagher, who has been very vocal on this matter, has outlined that PDFORRA has a scheme that has benefited many members of the Defence Forces. Could Mr. O'Connor comment on how that scheme will work under the new system? What have been the benefits from the points of view of both the Department of Health and the HSE? We all welcome the fact that there is a new scheme. Does Mr. O'Connor envisage any problems with the PDFORRA scheme continuing under the new scheme?

I welcome the fact that the delegates are participating today. I thank them very much for the time they have given us.