A temporary scheme to replace the former Cross-Border Directive was described as a ‘sticky plaster’ at the Oireathas Brexit Committee yesterday, by Mayo Senator Lisa Chambers.

The scheme provides reimbursement of private healthcare for patients travelling to the north to undergo outpatient surgeries, due to long waiting list across the region.

Senator Chambers says that there are plans to extend the 12-month continuation of the directive, in the form of the new Northern Ireland Planned Healthcare Scheme, and put it on a statutory footing.

The Fianna Fail Oireachtas member says this will ensure access to continued healthcare north and south on an all island basis.

Senator Lisa Chambers told Midwest News that says there is the possibility of people availing of surgeries without the requirement to pay upfront, as the scheme is no longer constrained by the EU rules.