Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 398: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if a person who has had a kidney transplant abroad, in a non-EU country can be considered for a refund of any of the costs incurred for this essential operation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9633/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Where arrangements are made by a person for treatment abroad outside the terms of the EU Regulations, the HSE has no obligation to meet any part of the cost involved.

The HSE may refer persons in certain cases for lawfully permitted emergency treatment or examination outside an EU Member State where the treatment or examination is not available in those States. Depending on individual circumstances, e.g. urgent emergency treatment, the HSE may arrange for treatment outside the EU and to pay for such treatment at their discretion. In such cases, the patient must meet the assessment criteria set down by HSE and prior authorisation must be obtained, the exception being when there was insufficient time to do so prior to the patient being sent abroad, but the application must be progressed as a matter of urgency. Where these procedures are not adhered to, the HSE does not consider refunding any costs.