Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 12 Nov 1997

Vol. 482 No. 6

Written Answers. - Cystic Fibrosis Treatment.

Noel Ahern

Question:

305 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of families attending hospitals in the United Kingdom for cystic fibrosis treatment who have received financial assistance or total subsidy towards travel and other expenses from his Department; if this extends to accompanying parents in all cases; if there are income guidelines set for these subsidies and assistances; and if his Department will approve payments to persons (details supplied) in Dublin 11 who are accompanying their daughter for two weeks assessment to London which hopefully will be the first of many trips for successful treatment. [19078/97]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

Twenty-one patients are currently attending hospitals in the UK for cystic fibrosis assessmenttreatment. The relevant health board covers the cost of treatment in each case and, depending on the patient's circumstances, the health board also provides financial assistance towards the travelling costs of an accompanying family member. The level of financial assistance given takes account of the applicant's income, household expenses and the total costs associated with travel to and from the United Kingdom for medical treatment.

The granting of financial assistance in each case is a matter for the relevant health board. With regard to the particular case mentioned, I understand that the Eastern Health Board is currently awaiting an application for financial assistance from the family concerned and that, upon receipt of the relevant information, the application will be processed as quickly as possible.