Vol. 488 No. 7
221 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will provide funds to place a person (details supplied) in Dublin 14 in treatment in a British facility, in view of the fact that no treatment for his condition is available in Ireland. [7009/98]
I have made inquiries with the Eastern Health Board and I understand that an application for referral for treatment abroad has recently been received by the board in relation to the case referred to by the Deputy.
Health boards may refer patients for treatment abroad where certain criteria have been met. These criteria are as follows: the treatment concerned is not available in this country; there is an urgent medical necessity for the treatment; there is a reasonable medical prognosis; the treatment is regarded as a proven form of medical treatment and is recommended by the patient's consultant; and the treatment is to be carried out in a recognised hospital or other institution and is under the control of a registered medical practitioner.
It is a matter for the health board concerned to examine the circumstances of each individual case and to decide on whether the above criteria have been met. I am advised by the Eastern Health Board that the application made in this case is currently under consideration.
