内容摘要：Although it could also be used to access natural resources such as minerals and water, the firm added,

Although it could also be used to access natural resources such as minerals and water, the firm added,

But a date has yet to be set for when that extension will happen, and the number of patients able to avail of it will depend on how much money is left from the cross-border scheme."The second phase of the scheme – extension to the rest of the EU – will go ahead," a DoH spokesperson said.

"The scale of available funding will clearly be connected to take-up levels for the first phase."The department is already facing a £600m deficit in its budget as it struggles to reduce waiting lists and fund pay increases for healthcare workers.The reimbursement scheme was one of several initiatives Health Minister Mike Nesbitt announced to tackle waiting lists for planned operations, which are the highest in the UK.

The cross-border element of the scheme means patients will get back the amount of money the operation would have cost in Northern Ireland, subject to approval.When it was launched last month, the department said full details of the plan were yet to be outlined and the full range of eligible procedures covered by the cross-border scheme was not known.

Those eligible for the scheme will be able to access a Health and Social Care online information hub giving guidance to patients on how to apply, eligibility criteria and access to the application form.

The reimbursement scheme was included in a plan outlining how"The tragic death of Caitlin-Rose McMullan in March has seen a young life cut far too short, devastating her family and our community, and we as legislators need to do everything we can to prevent this from happening again."

Democratic Unionist Party MLA Deborah Erskine said the possible legislation is a "vital step in protecting our children as they travel to and from school"."Far too often, we have seen reckless behaviour around school buses that puts young lives at risk," she said.

"Families have been left heartbroken by the loss of children."It is now more than 20 years since a motion came before Northern Ireland's Assembly asking for an urgent investigation into how children could be better protected getting on and off school buses.