Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2013
1447. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1050 of 11 June 2013, if he will provide an update on the implementation of the EU cross border directive on medical care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37875/13]
View answerI understand that the Deputy is referring to the EU Directive on the Application of Patients' Rights in Cross Border Healthcare. The purpose of this Directive is to establish a clear legal framework to facilitate cross border healthcare with a focus on patient rights, information for patients on entitlements and patient choice. The Department of Health is working towards the full transposition of the Directive. In this regard, the main focus has been on the more complex requirements which may have legislative and significant administrative implications. That work is progressing as quickly as possible, across a range of areas.
Once arrangements for these areas have been finalised to the satisfaction of the Department it is anticipated that they will form a template for the statutory provisions to implement the necessary provisions. Nevertheless, the Deputy will recognise that the Directive deals with complex issues, both nationally and between Member States and work continues on the preparation of proposals for legislation. At this time it is not possible to be any more specific details concerning dates for such legislation.
