Veterans: Health Services

(asked on 12th April 2021) - View Source

Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, if his Department will hold discussions with the Northern Ireland Health Minister on ensuring that veterans in Northern Ireland receive urgent medical care, including accessing medical care in Great Britain, to reduce the time they have to wait for surgery.


Answered by
Robin Walker Portrait
Robin Walker
This question was answered on 19th April 2021

The Armed Forces Covenant makes clear that veterans should not be disadvantaged as a result of their service, including in the provision of healthcare.

Health is a devolved matter, within the competence of the Northern Ireland Executive. The NI Health Minister, Robin Swann, is therefore responsible for issues relating to the health of all citizens in Northern Ireland, including veterans.

The New Decade, New Approach deal committed to the establishment of a Veteran’s Commissioner in Northern Ireland and I recently met with the new Commissioner, Danny Kinahan. We are keen to support him in his important work.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and I will continue to engage with veterans’ support networks in Northern Ireland, the Office of Veterans’ Affairs and the NI Department of Health on matters pertaining to veterans’ welfare.

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