Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Of course I understand the dilemma of the families, in particular those dealing with liver disease. They are very worried. I accept the Deputy's point that they need clarity. On the funds, the assessment and the point the Deputy made about Galway and Louth, I will raise the matter with the Minister, Deputy Harris, because we need total clarity on this issue to reassure the families.

May I make four other points that are important for families to know? First, where a family is experiencing undue hardship, it may, of course, apply to the Department of Social Protection for an exceptional needs payment. It is understood that, in general, exceptional needs payments are approved when the applicant is already in receipt of some sort of income support. Second, owing to the air ambulance difficulties, we have asked the HSE to provide financial assistance to the families required to relocate. It is a difficult situation. Where a child is in hospital and the hospital cannot provide accommodation for a parent, or where the child is not hospitalised, the family will be offered a subsistence payment of €169.22 per night per family.

Third, while the financial contribution is generally directed at the families of cardiac patients, the HSE has also been directed to consider the requests for financial assistance for the liver transplant patients, and this is very important. Fourth, the Irish Coast Guard provides capacity for the inter-hospital transfers on an as-available basis from Dublin, Waterford, Shannon and Sligo. This is where the private providers come it. They are used regularly to supplement both emergency transfer patients, who are a priority, and scheduled transfer patients. The HSE acute hospital division has identified a comprehensive list of private air ambulance providers. This is updated continuously. The Deputy can reassure the families that lists of reliable people have been drawn up and that the service is being given.

I will bring the other concerns raised by Deputy Rabbitte back to the Minister, Deputy Harris, to obtain further clarity.

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