Vol. 463 No. 8
82 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Health the number of people who received funding to travel abroad for infertility treatment in 1995; the nature of treatment received; the number of people who received funding to travel for sex change treatments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7671/96]
83 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Health if a letter was sent by him to the health boards urging them not to grant funding for travel abroad for infertility treatments except in cases or urgency; the criteria used in determining such urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7672/96]
Limerick East): I propose to take Questions Nos. 82 and 83 together.
Health boards may refer patients for treatment outside the State where certain criteria have been met, including urgent medical necessity and the non-availability of the treatment within the State. It is a matter for the health board to examine the circumstances of each individual case and to decide on whether the criteria have been met; the approval of the Department of Health is required only where the anticipated cost of treatment exceeds £10,000.
