Vol. 466 No. 2
67 Mr. E. Ryan asked the Minister for Health the assistance, if any, available to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6 who requires an operation called peripheral denervatin; and the funding, if any, his Department will give in respect of this operation. [11181/96]
Limerick East): Health boards may refer patients for treatment abroad where certain criteria have been met. These criteria are as follows: (i) the treatment concerned is not available in this country; (ii) there is an urgent medical necessity for the treatment; (iii) there is a reasonable medical prognosis; (iv) the treatment is regarded as a proven form of medical treatment; and (v) the treatment is to be carried out in a recognised hospital or other institution and under the control of a registered medical practitioner.
It is a matter for the health board concerned to examine the circumstances of each individual case and decide on whether the above criteria have been met. The Department of Health's approval is only required in cases where the anticipated cost of treatment exceeds £10,000.
