I propose to take Questions Nos. 465, 529 and 531 together.
In co-ordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Department of Health and its agencies, including the HSE and the Health Products Regulatory Authority, are engaging in intensive Brexit preparedness and contingency planning in the area of health. This includes planning for a no-deal Brexit scenario.
A number of issues are being examined and contingency planning for a range of eventualities is under way. One key issue will be to ensure that there is minimum disruption to health services and that essential services are maintained on a cross-Border, all-island and Ireland-UK basis.
Priorities include ensuring continuity in the supply of medicines/medical devices, ensuring access to services, recognition of qualifications, continuation of existing cross border health co-operation and public health arrangements.
In addition to working with the relevant agencies, the Department of Health will continue to support the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in its engagements with the European Commission’s Article 50 Taskforce and its Brexit Preparedness Unit.