To ask the Minister of Health, in relation to the April 2024 vasectomy services announcement, how he intends to assist GP practices in the resulting increased appointments.

I was delighted to announce that non-scalpel vasectomy services in Northern Ireland will be transferred from secondary care to primary care. This will take effect from April 2024, with a transition phase throughout 2024/25.

This service enables GPs to refer patients requesting a non-scalpel vasectomy to a designated host practice where an accredited GP Vasectomist will perform the procedure negating the need for a referral to secondary care. Funding has been committed to support the provision of this procedure across Primary Care Elective and I can advise that work has commenced with the SPPG and the Federation Support Unit to re-establish this service for patients across Northern Ireland with a transition phase throughout 2024/25.