Cross-Border Health Initiatives

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 September 2015

Tuesday, 22 September 2015

Questions (893)

Sean Fleming

Question:

893. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health in view of the fact that the cross-border directive allows for Irish residents to avail of health care in other EU member states that they would be entitled to within the public system here, if a greater effort will be made by the Health Service Executive to make available this health care within the State at the cost that would be paid under the cross-border directive and this would be more socially equal as many persons may not be in a position to afford to travel outside the State for their health care needs; if he will examine the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30991/15]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Under the conditions of EU membership, all Member States must implement EU Directives. Consequently under the EU Directive on Patients’ Rights in Cross Border Healthcare each Member State is required to implement the Directive's provisions regarding access to healthcare in other Member States/EEA countries. The Health Service Executive operates the EU Directive on Patients’ Rights in Cross Border Healthcare in Ireland.

The Health Service Executive’s National Service Plan 2015 sets out the type and volume of health and personal social services that the Executive proposes to deliver during the course of this year within its total net budget of €12,131 million. The HSE has provided a sum of €1 million in this year's National Service Plan to address costs specific to the EU Directive and will keep this under review.