Dr. Stephen Farry:

I welcome the witnesses. My questions are broad but interrelated to a certain extent. My first is on what is happening with regard to health care reform and the spatial planning in this regard. To what extent are the two jurisdictions on the island speaking to each other about this?. In Northern Ireland we are about to get to grips with the Bengoa reforms. This will involve greater investment in specialisms in certain locations. No doubt there is the same process in the south. To what extent is the process joined up? If it is not, what more should be done to make sure these discussions are happening in an holistic way to really maximise efficiency?

Do the witnesses have views on the health reimbursement scheme? It was approved by the Northern Ireland health board in July last year and will run for a year. It allows Northern patients to access treatment in the south in light of our particular problems with waiting lists with the costs reimbursed. What are the witnesses thoughts on how this is working out in practice? Is it a good idea? Does it cause more distortions in the provision across the island?