Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 12 May 1994

Vol. 442 No. 7

Written Answers. - Contribution Towards Cost of Medical Treatment.

Gay Mitchell

Question:

61 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health if he will make a contribution to the cost of treatment of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 so that her parents may take her to the United States for treatment which may allow the child to speak.

Minister for Health (Mr. Howlin)

Decisions regarding applications for assistance towards the cost of treatment abroad are, in the first instance, a matter for the relevant health board.

I understand from the Eastern Health Board that to date they have not received a formal application for assistance from the parents of the child in question. In order for the board to assess the child's need for treatment outside this country, her parents should submit an application for assistance to the board, together with relevant medical reports, including any recommendations from professional staff regarding the appropriateness of the treatment, and detailed information regarding the proposed treatment and related costs.