THE Irish government has pledged to cover the costs of European Health Insurance Cards for Northern Ireland citizens post- Brexit.
Tánaiste Simon Coveney said they will "if necessary" provide funding for the scheme which provides free medical treatment in state hospitals for those who fall ill or have an accident in EU countries.
If the UK leaves with no deal, payment for healthcare abroad will be required.
Speaking in the Dail yesterday, Mr Coveney said that Irish citizens living in the north must continue to enjoy all the benefits of EU membership.
"When EU citizens travel across the EU they have health insurance cover," Mr Coveney said.
"We are working and will ensure that we extend that right to Northern Ireland
"That will involve passing legislation here and it will involve the Irish government if necessary paying for that insurance cover for citizens in Northern Ireland."
He also pointed to the EU's Erasmus study abroad scheme and said that he wanted students living in the north to continue to have access to the scheme.
The Foreign Affairs minister said he his government is "fully committed" to ensuring that "vital citizenship and identity provisions of the Good Friday Agreement are respected and upheld in all relevant policy areas".
"I'm fully aware of the concerns at recent statements that the UK Government has made that raised concerns for Irish citizens in Northern Ireland, particularly at present given the uncertainty linked to Brexit," he said/
"It's important to be clear that these statements in no way change the position that Irish citizens in Northern Ireland continue to be EU citizens in all circumstances."
