Michael Noonan (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
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Question 134: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the arrangements she is making to ensure that the 700 persons suffering from Parkinson's disease in the mid-west region have neurological services; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that at present they have the services of a visiting neurologist and one permanent nurse only; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25177/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Question 135: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) who has a European health insurance card can be given kidney dialysis treatment here if they come home here for a week; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25191/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Regulation (EC) 1408/71 provides for the coordination of social security systems, including healthcare, among EU member states. Under the Regulation, those who are insured with or covered by the healthcare system of one member state but who are residing or staying in another member state receive healthcare in the state of residence or stay on behalf of the member state with which they are insured or covered. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) provides evidence of this entitlement.

Persons staying in Ireland and in possession of a valid EHIC may receive healthcare, through the public healthcare system that becomes necessary during their stay taking into account the nature of the care and the expected length of stay.

It is recognised that people requiring certain specialised treatments, in particular oxygen therapy or dialysis, are entitled to such care under these arrangements while on a temporary stay abroad, on the basis that prior agreements are entered into in regard to the availability of appropriate services. This arrangement is accepted by all member states, given that such specialised treatments may not be available in all locations. The aim is to ensure that freedom of movement is not adversely affected for a person requiring such treatments.

In this case, the person concerned should contact the Health Services Executive (HSE), North Eastern Area, Kells, Co. Meath — Tel: 00 353 (0)46 9240341 or e-mail info@HSE.ie — to make appropriate arrangements for dialysis care during her stay in Ireland.