Health Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 July 2023

Wednesday, 12 July 2023

Questions (234)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

234. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health to detail the outcome of discussions with the European Commission following the latter's contact with the Irish authorities regarding Ireland's implementation of the Cross-Border Directive in light of the recent review by the Irish Ombudsman of the administration of the Cross-Border Healthcare Scheme established in Ireland under Directive 2011/24/EU, and the Treatment Abroad Scheme established under Council Regulation (EEC) No 1408/71 and operated under Council Regulation (EEC) No 574/72 which found numerous barriers to access for Irish patients to both schemes, as well as problems with their administration by the Irish Health Service Executive (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34410/23]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I acknowledge the publication of a Report by the Ombudsman on 18 April which provides findings and recommendations in relation to treatment abroad schemes administered by the HSE. It is important to acknowledge the important role these schemes play in facilitating patients in Ireland to access necessary medical treatment abroad. Uptake by patients in Ireland of care under the Cross Border Directive has increased significantly over recent years. As acknowledged in the Ombudsman’s report, in the main these schemes work well.

However, some issues have been raised by individual patients with the Ombudsman. The HSE accepts the recommendations of the report and has mandated senior HSE staff to put in place a process to systematically address the issues raised by the Ombudsman and to implement any required changes. In this context, I welcome the HSE’s commitment to implementing the recommendations in the report and to ensuring that all patients accessing medical treatment abroad under these schemes receive the highest standard of public service.

Ireland is committed to cooperation with the Commission to improve the effective application of the directive for the benefit of patients.