Vol. 561 No. 4
365 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny can obtain treatment in America or Switzerland for chronic Lyme disease under the treatment purchase scheme; if this person's application for treatment will be prioritised; the reasons this person cannot be treated here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4534/03]
The provision of services for people living in County Kilkenny is a matter, in the first instance, for the South-Eastern Health Board.
The National Treatment Purchase Fund, NTPF, has asked the health board and hospitals to identify public hospital patients waiting longest on in-patient lists, so that they can be offered treatment under this initiative. The NTPF is initially concentrating on adults who have been waiting on in-patient lists over 12 months and children waiting over six months for surgical procedures.
My Department has asked the chief executive officer of the health board to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and to reply directly to him.
Question No. 366 answered with Question No. 349.
