Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 22 Jun 1994

Vol. 444 No. 2

Written Answers. - Treatment Abroad.

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

57 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the plight of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 who is seeking funding in order to travel to America; and if, in view of the fact that the family have organised various fund raising activities, he intends to financially assist this family to achieve beneficial results from the services of a person (details supplied).

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 it wrote to the family on 26 May 1994 requesting them to complete a formal application for assistance. However, the health board has not received a response to date.

For the health board to assess the child's needs for treatment outside this country, her parents should submit an application for assistance to the health board together with relevant medical report, including any recommendations from professional staff regarding the appropriateness of the treatment, and detailed information regarding the proposed treatment and related costs.