Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As I understand it, the scheme is run by PDFORRA and is based on the cross-border directive, which has probably been disrupted by Brexit. I hope that it can continue, but I cannot give a specific commitment in that regard. The bigger issue, which was in my party's manifesto and has been included in the programme for Government, is that we should provide much better healthcare and access to healthcare for enlisted soldiers and naval and Air Corps personnel. Officers have a good set of healthcare arrangements, but the same is not the case for the other ranks. That is not fair. This is one of the practical improvements that we can make to help retention and recruitment in our Defence Forces. I will get an update from the Minister, Deputy Coveney, on the matter, find out what progress we are making and revert to the Deputy with a more detailed reply.

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