AQW 31891/22-27

Mr Andrew McMurray
Alliance Party
South Down

Tabled Date: 23/09/2025
Answered On Date: 08/10/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health whether there are plans to reduce the waiting list requirement under the Waiting List Reimbursement Scheme to less than a year.

Answer:

The Waiting List Reimbursement Scheme was initiated on a phased approach. The first phase granted reimbursements for treatment in the Republic of Ireland (Rol). Phase Two, launched 15 September 2025, extends access to the wider European Union.

I have also decided to reduce the qualifying period from two years to one year, and by widening access to the EU, I am giving more patients more options to get the treatment they need.

This scheme is about listening to patients, being flexible, and taking practical action to ease pressure on waiting lists. This decision is a data informed decision supplemented by active listening across the service and delivering on my commitment to best maximise this important initiative for patient benefit and waiting list reduction. At this time, we have no further plan to adjust the Scheme parameters and will continue to monitor its uptake.