Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

For instance, I came across a scenario that is nothing to do with gynaecology or obstetrics where a consultant here refused point-blank to allow a person to get treatment in a particular area. The consultant required him to undergo an operation, while in fact he could get treatment abroad that did not require an operation and there was a stand-off between the patient and the consultant. The patient did go abroad and got the treatment and then there was a scenario where I was involved in a legal capacity in trying to recover the money from the insurance company. We eventually recovered it through the legal process. There is sometimes a difference of opinion with consultants. Sometimes, it may be that the best outcome for a patient is to get that care abroad because that is the belief they have.