Colm Burke (Fine Gael)

I raise the case because it relates to the treatment abroad fund and the support that it has given to the family in ensuring the transplant took place. I wish to raise the issue of the EU cross-border healthcare directive passed in February 2011 and we have 30 months to implement it. I have contacted the Department of Health on a number of occasions and there has been no indication of when the directive will be transposed into Irish law. It is extremely important because we do not have expertise in certain medical areas, cannot provide treatment and people must seek treatment abroad. Therefore, we must ensure that all of the proper procedures are in place to deal with such a situation. The directive deals with such cases and I ask that it is transposed into Irish law at the earliest possible date so that people like Calum Geary can continue to receive support and at an early date. I ask that the Leader raise the matter with the Department at an early date and that we can discuss it with the Minister on the next occasion he is in the House.