Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 September 2014
987. Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Health if the Health Service Executive's treatment abroad scheme provides funding to citizens here to take part on new cancer drug trials in other jurisdictions; if the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia is currently covered as part of the treatment abroad scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33802/14]
View answerThe HSE funds treatment for patients in Ireland under the statutory framework and in the EU/EEA under the governing EU legislation (EU Regulations 1408/71 and 574/72) and in accordance with Department of Health Guidelines. These statutory frameworks do not provide for the HSE Treatment Abroad Scheme (TAS) to fund patients participating in clinical trials. A requirement of the TAS is that the referring Consultant certifies the treatment is a proven form of medical treatment and is not experimental or test treatment.
Applications to TAS are based on the specific identified treatment to be provided outside the State that is not available in Ireland. No decision is given on an application prior to its submission and processing. It is therefore not possible for the HSE to confirm, prior to the submission of an application and appropriate documentation, whether the unidentified treatment for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia will be authorised. Each individual application is reviewed on its own merits and a decision is given specific to each case.
