Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 636: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the way in which a person visiting Ireland on holiday can avail of necessary dialysis treatment while in this country; the location at which they can access this treatment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29755/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Dialysis units seek to facilitate holiday dialysis patients from other jurisdictions where possible. Priority is given to those travelling for family occasions.

Under EU regulations people requiring certain specialised treatments, including dialysis, may access such care under EU arrangements while on a temporary stay in another Member State.

The European Health Insurance Card [EHIC] is issued under the provisions of Regulation (EC) 1408/71 and ensures that a person who is eligible for public healthcare in one EU Member State can access necessary public healthcare in another Member State while on a temporary stay there. These arrangements also apply in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

The service is provided on the basis that prior agreements are entered into with regard to the availability of the particular service. The arrangement is made in advance between the patient's unit and the proposed holiday destination. It should be noted that the EHIC Card does not cover the cost of treatment in a private setting, nor does it cover individuals travelling from countries outside the EU. Such patients need to arrange with their health insurer to have the necessary treatment made available and to contract directly with the private sector.

My Department has asked the Health Service Executive to reply directly to the Deputy regarding the locations where public dialysis services can be accessed.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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Question 637: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the plans she has to introduce clinical guidelines for the provision of criteria for the diagnosis, management and treatment of epilepsy similar to those in operation in the UK and due to be extended to Northern Ireland later in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29759/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The management and treatment of epilepsy is the responsibility of primary care and secondary care working in tandem. We recognise the need to expand access to neurology services and note a number of neurology posts have been advertised and are being filled. The Department has no plans currently to develop guidelines for the management of epilepsy, but the HSE is conducting a review of neurology services including those for epilepsy.