Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 62: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on the recent European Court of Justice decision that empowers patients to seek treatment elsewhere in the EU if they can prove they face a long wait for a procedure here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21223/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The judgement to which the Deputy refers, known as the "Watts case", relates to the question of prior authorisation for hospital treatment abroad where a patient would otherwise be subject to undue delay in their country of residence.

My Department is studying the implications of the ruling and has had a preliminary meeting with the HSE to review current practices.

My main concern is to continue to ensure that patients who require hospital treatment can do so without delay and that there are effective procedures for reviewing their cases where they are awaiting treatment. The National Treatment Purchase Fund is already playing an important role in this regard.