Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 541: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare is entitled to travel expenses and if so the procedure that the person must take to obtain such a payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9289/11]

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 542: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) is entitled to travel expenses and if so the procedure that the person must take to obtain such a payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9292/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 541 and 542 together.

As the issue raised by the Deputy is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply. I can advise the Deputy that the HSE is currently reviewing its policy in relation to eligibility for non-ambulance based patient transport services in order that a consistent policy is adopted nationally for these services. The need for patients to travel arises partly as a result of the consolidation of cancer services by the HSE National Cancer Control Programme (HSE NCCP). There are a number of systems of support in place for cancer patients who have to travel for treatment, through the Community Welfare Office services and the Travel2Care scheme. The Travel2Care scheme is being implemented on a phased basis in line with the transfer of cancer services to the designated centres and the approved satellite centre, where this transfer of services has caused financial hardship. This scheme, which is funded by the HSE NCCP and administered by the Irish Cancer Society, provides some financial help towards the costs of public transport such as trains or buses, private transport costs; or petrol and parking.