Ned O'Keeffe (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 201: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if financial assistance will be provided in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [43526/08]

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 healthcare 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, the person referred to by the Deputy may wish to apply to the HSE for authorisation for treatment abroad in accordance with these entitlements. Outside of entitlements arising under EU law, financial assistance in relation to treatment abroad is at the discretion of the HSE.