Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 April 2016
287. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health if financial assistance will be provided to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8 to travel to the United Kingdom to recieve treatment which is not available here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7380/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Treatment Abroad Scheme (TAS) as provided for in EU Regulations and Department of Health Guidelines, does not include a provision for travel and subsistence expenses for patients or their relatives travelling abroad to avail of approved treatments. However the HSE, subject to available funding, under the Treatment Abroad Scheme Travel Policy, may provide assistance towards reasonable economic air or sea travel fares for patients, and a travelling companion where appropriate or where the referring consultant identifies a necessity. The HSE Treatment Abroad Scheme National Travel Policy was implemented in November 2009 to standardise and provide equity to the provision of entitlements relating to travel expenses. Expenses other than air/sea fares are not admissible. However, patients who experience difficulty funding any additional costs may apply to the Department of Social Protection for assistance as an exceptional needs payment. It should be noted that, in general, patients do not incur subsistence costs when undergoing treatment abroad as such costs are included in the cost of the care that the patient is receiving.
Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual. As regards the issues with the welfare officer and bus pass, these are a matter for the Department of Social Protection.
