Treatment Abroad Scheme

Thursday, 11 December 2014

Questions (151)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

151. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a case in respect of a person (details supplied) an Irish citizen who, as a result of lack of adequate neuro-rehabilitative care here has had to be hospitalised in Germany for more than 17 months following an accident; when the necessary care this person requires will be provided in an Irish hospital; the financial assistance that will be made available to assist towards the high cost of necessary rehabilitative care that is being provided in Germany; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47531/14]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

With regard to financial assistance towards the cost of care in Germany, the patient or their family should make contact with the Health Service Executive's (HSE) Treatment Abroad Scheme office. That office will engage with the patient or family in respect of the scheme and ensure that all available assistance is provided, in line with the Scheme rules. Full information on the Treatment Abroad Scheme may be found on the HSE website at http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/1/schemes/treatmentabroad/ or by contacting the office on 056 7784554.

As the Deputy's question regarding the provision of neuro-rehabilitation services relates to service matters, I have arranged for that aspect of the question to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, he can contact my Private Office and they will follow the matter up with the HSE.