Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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437. To ask the Minister for Health if there will be changes to the situation by which the HSE sends young children to the UK for certain treatments, such as eating disorders and psychiatric conditions, in view of the uncertainty in relation to Brexit; if this will cause delays in receiving treatment in the UK; and if children will have to be sent to other EU countries. [2867/19]

Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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439. To ask the Minister for Health if he has prepared plans to counteract delays to insulin delivery from Denmark should the UK landbridge be closed in the event that a no-deal Brexit occurs at the March 2019 deadline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2879/19]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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As part of the whole of Government response to Brexit, my Department is working on a comprehensive and coordinated set of actions to ensure, as far as is possible, continuity of supply of medicines in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

Significant work has already been undertaken by the Department, the HSE, and the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA), together with industry, to ensure that risks to the continuity of supply are mitigated to the greatest possible extent.

Both the HPRA and HSE have requested that medicines manufacturers and suppliers highlight any issues regarding the availability of specific products associated with Brexit - to date, no major issues have been identified through this process. 

The HSE and HPRA are contacting the suppliers of certain products, such as medicines subject to cold storage, to ensure that contingency plans are in place for Brexit. The agencies are also working with the Revenue Commissioners to ensure that any delays at customs are minimised. In any event, the existing distribution system for medicines already holds sufficient stocks to help absorb any short-term supply delays.

The Government’s Contingency Action Plan for a no-deal Brexit outlines the wider approach to landbridge issues that may arise as a result of a no-deal Brexit.