Seanad debates

Wednesday, 2 October 2013

Adjournment Matters

Treatment Abroad Scheme

4:15 pm

Photo of Dinny McGinleyDinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge the case made by the Senator. Unfortunately, as matters stand, TAS is confined to certain countries in certain regions. Referrals are not made outside Europe. I do not know whether the regulations can be amended. Incidentally, I compliment TAS on its rapid response to the initial application to have the treatment provided in France - it did that in just one day. I do not know whether there are any international regulations or protocols that would prevent the transfer of the €40,000 towards treatment at Sloan-Kettering. All I can do is forward the matter to the Department to see what are the possibilities.

I am confined to the current rules. I am personally not in position to change them, even though I know this family and the trauma they are going through. As I have said, the treatment abroad scheme only covers the countries that are stipulated in the regulations.

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