Martin Ferris
Question:288 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children if ME/CFS patients who require treatment in a specialised centre can qualify for funding to avail of such services in another jurisdiction. [14779/03]
Written Answers. - Medical Treatment.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:290 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children the eligibility of Irish ME/CFS patients for treatment abroad in specialist centres under the E112 initiative. [15040/03]
Michael Ring
Question:354 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if ME and CFS patients who require treatment in a specialised centre would qualify under the E112 initiative whereby they could avail of such services in another jurisdiction. [14620/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 288, 290 and 354 together.
There is no specific list of medical conditions for which authorisation to travel abroad for treatment may be granted. Where an individual wishes to receive medical treatment in another EU member state he/she must apply to the local health board for authorisation for the treatment in question. The health board assesses each individual application on the basis of criteria issued by the Department, which includes the submission of the necessary medical evidence by a hospital consultant. If authorisation is granted a form E112 is issued which confirms the health board's commitment to pay the cost of treatment.
Seán Ryan
Question:289 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on the need to set up specialist ME/CFS units here; and if he will appoint a liaison officer to meet with representatives of the Irish ME Trust to create the framework for this initiative to be realised. [15017/03]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:291 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will arrange a meeting between an official of his Department and the Irish ME Trust to progress a framework to develop the proposed specialist ME treatment units. [15041/03]
Denis Naughten
Question:292 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the action he intends to take regarding services for sufferers of ME/CFS further to correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15121/03]
Martin Ferris
Question:293 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will appoint a liaison officer from his Department to meet with representatives of the Irish ME Trust in order to create the framework for an initiative to establish a dedicated specialist clinic to cater for ME/CFS sufferers. [14780/03]
Brian O'Shea
Question:337 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will appoint a liaison officer to meet with representatives of the Irish ME Trust with a view to setting up specialist ME/CFS units (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14511/03]
Willie Penrose
Question:338 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has received correspondence from an organisation (details supplied); if he will establish the necessary framework as requested thereon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14512/03]
John Bruton
Question:339 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if a liaison officer will be appointed to meet with representatives of the Irish ME Trust to create a framework to alleviate the hardships experienced by sufferers of ME and to set up specialist units to assist patients and their families who are dealing with this difficult disease; the initiatives, studies and reviews his Department have taken to date to alleviate the suffering of those who have been diagnosed with ME; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14513/03]
Tony Gregory
Question:344 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on the issues raised in correspondence (details supplied) from the Irish ME Trust; if he will appoint a liaison officer to meet with representatives of the trust; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14529/03]
Michael Ring
Question:353 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will appoint a liaison officer to meet with representatives of the Irish ME Trust to create the framework for an initiative to be realised. [14619/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 289, 291 to 293, inclusive, 337 to 339 inclusive, 344 and 353 together.
I have directed that the matters raised in the correspondence from the Irish Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Trust, I.M.E.T., be examined in my Department as a matter of urgency. I will contact the Deputies when a report has been prepared on the issues raised by the I.M.E.T.
Question No. 290 answered with Question No. 288.
Questions Nos. 291 to 293, inclusive, answered with Question No. 289.