Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 130: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will arrange for a person (details supplied) in County Cork to receive appropriate non-surgical treatment for their medical condition under the treatment abroad scheme owing to the special circumstances in their case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39050/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Regulation (EC) 1408/71 provides, inter alia, that people who are insured with or covered by the health care system of one member state may access health care in the public system of another member state in certain circumstances. Article 22 (1) (c) of the Regulation governs the referral of patients for public health services to another member state. In accordance with this article, a person eligible for health services in Ireland must be authorised by the HSE to go to another member state for treatment in the public health system there, where certain criteria are met. When authorisation is granted, Form E112 is issued by the HSE and is confirmation that the HSE will bear the cost of the treatment.

It is a matter for the HSE to determine whether authorisation for treatment abroad should be granted. Therefore, any individual who is eligible for health care in Ireland and who wishes to obtain treatment in another EU member state in accordance with these entitlements should apply to the HSE for authorisation.