To ask the Minister of Health (i) for his assessment of the impact of the decision to cut funding to the vasectomy service delivered by GPs as part of primary care surgical services; and (ii) whether he plans to reinstate the funding.

The Primary Care Elective Service model has historically been sustained through non-recurrent funding. I recognise the value of the Primary Care Elective Services but due to a significant non-recurrent funding gap and budgetary pressures in 2023/24 it has not been possible to sustain the primary care vasectomy service beyond September 2023.

Despite a reduction in the primary care service, GPs are still able to refer patients to Secondary Care, however I recognise that hospital-based service waiting times are long and addressing lengthy waiting times is a priority.

I remain committed to the delivery of GP Elective Services across Northern Ireland, and I am working with my Executive colleagues to secure the funding needed to tackle our length waiting lists