Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. O'Connor for the presentation and update. As the Chairman said, there is some positive news within that. I note from Mr. O'Connor’s comments that the new scheme to replace the current Northern Ireland healthcare scheme will not be in place before the end of the year, which most people were expecting. Is there a timeframe for that legislation to go through? Approximately 2,000 people have been reimbursed. Does that follow similar lines to the pre-Brexit years? I imagine it is much of a muchness but I would welcome Mr. O’Connor's comments. Mr. O’Connor mentioned that the current EU scheme continues. Are many people availing of that? What parts of the EU are people going to and what procedures are they availing of in those EU countries?

With regard to the Defence Forces, PDFORRA has an arrangement in place through the PDFORRA medical assistance scheme, PMAS. It is a very successful scheme that is availed of by PDFORRA members and only for PMAS being set up, many people would have had to discharge themselves from the Defence Forces for medical reasons. It has been a great success. Can Mr. O’Connor confirm that PMAS will continue until the necessary legislation is put in place on a more long-term basis? I thank Mr. O’Connor for the presentation.