Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 412: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the level of financial assistance available to a family who wish to repatriate a member of their family (details supplied) who was seriously injured in the United States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3816/10]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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At the outset, I wish to advise the Deputy that I am informed that Consular assistance was not sought from my Department, either through the Consular Assistance Section in Dublin or our Consulate in Boston by the person, or his family, mentioned by the Deputy. Our Missions overseas provide a wide range of practical assistance where Irish citizens experience serious illness or are hospitalized. This includes the provision of lists of English speaking doctors and appropriate local medical facilities; communicating with medical personnel or hospital authorities; visiting hospitals and transferring funds from family and friends. They also liaise with insurance or medical evacuation companies. There is a limited amount of funding available (€79,000 p.a.) in the emergency repatriation fund. Applicants for financial support are examined on an individual basis but where support is given it is usually to Irish citizens who urgently need to return home and have insufficient funds to do so. Advances are normally repayable. In the case of long term hospital patients, arrangements are normally made between the hospitals concerned and the HSE.