To ask the Minister of Health, in order to assist with waiting list reductions in Northern Ireland, whether he plans to reopen the Republic of Ireland Reimbursement Scheme.

Following the success of the scheme I introduced in June 2021, I had hoped to introduce a new reimbursement scheme this year. I included a bid for funding for a new replacement, which could have treated over 4,000 patients, during this year’s budget setting process. Unfortunately, under the 2024/25 Budget recently approved by the Executive, precisely zero additional funding has been provided for tackling our waiting lists.

Unfortunately, instead of now being able to invest in such waiting list initiatives, my Department’s budget has been cut by over 2%. This is a deeply regrettable and concerning position.