Mr. John Hennessy:

I have just a couple of points to add. I will ask Ms Keon to speak on the North-South dimension because she has been very close to Brexit-proofing the agreements between the various providers. We mentioned some of them but the Deputy is right that the GP out of hours service is an important part of that programme as well. We have been very conscious of the need for clear, reliable information for the public and for patients. The committee is going to see evidence of a lot more proactive communication from this end over the next four to six weeks. It has already kicked off with some stakeholders in respect of suppliers. We are meeting the National Patients Forum, which has representation from most of the patient advocacy groups, especially those representing people with chronic conditions. We are meeting it next week to provide information and assurance where necessary on particular issues like medicines and supplies. We understand fully how people would be concerned about those things, and with the benefit of good, reliable information, we may be able to prevent the kind of stockpiling tendencies to which the Deputy referred. We are watching closely at the supplier end as well to see if there are any unusual patterns of ordering from any particular sources. Included in that programme of communication, as Senator Swanick mentioned, would be general practitioners, pharmacists and prescribers generally to help assure people about supply chains and to try to manage it.

The Secretary General has covered most of the workforce issues. The HSE HR department has analysed in great detail the Brexit details across the spectrum of qualifications, training, education and recruitment. We have a good handle on the implications there.