Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 September 2015
891. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health the steps taken to make the availability of services under the cross-border health care directive, Directive 2011/24/EU, known among patients who may benefit from this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30976/15]
View answer1081. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Health the action his Department has taken to highlight the existence of the cross-border health care directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31847/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 891 and 1081 together.
The decision to access healthcare is primarily a matter for the patient and their physician or health professional and, in general, healthcare is not routinely advertised. It is within this professional setting that the best options for treatment are most appropriately discussed, and advice received as to where services might be sought, including availing of the provisions of the 'Cross-Border' Directive for treatment within the EU\EEA. It is also noteworthy that access to healthcare abroad under the Directive is based on patients following public patient pathways; that is, a referral is required in order to be eligible for reimbursement. This referral is not limited to Irish health professionals but nevertheless the great majority of patients are likely to have consulted an Irish health professional who then referred them for treatment here or, if they wished, within the EU\EEA. As a consequence, a general information campaign regarding the Cross Border Healthcare Directive, Directive 201/24/EU, has not been undertaken. It is also noteworthy that Recital 4 of the Directive states “the transposition of this Directive into national legislation and its application should not result in patients being encouraged to receive treatment outside their Member State of affiliation”. The HSE has tried to balance its dissemination of information regarding the Directive with this Recital in mind and has concentrated on informing the clinicians who make the referrals about the Directive. To this end it has met with the ICGP and various consultants at hospital level to inform them of the provisions of the Directive.
