2,246 people from Northern Ireland have travelled across the border to avail of a scheme allowing them to receive healthcare treatment in the Republic.
The temporary Republic of Ireland Reimbursement Scheme was set up following Brexit to allow for continued cross-border healthcare.
This was previously covered under the EU’s Cross-border Health Directive.
The Scheme has been used frequently for orthopedic problems including hip and knee replacements.
From July 1, 2021 to April the 1st this year, there were a total of 886 claims with 737 payments authorised.
In the five years before the Cross-border Health Directive ended thousands of Northern Ireland residents received €16.5m in healthcare in the Republic of Ireland.
Meanwhile, Alliance Party Health spokesperson, Paula Bradshaw said it was her understanding that a “permanent replacement” is being established.
“This arrangement is another complication caused by a hard Brexit and constitutes another example of the nonsense of pursuing a hard border anywhere between the UK and the EU,” she added.
