Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 356: To ask the Minister for Health if the Health Service Executive will provide support to an organisation (details supplied) in County Kildare along the lines requested in the submission from that organisation to the HSE on 18 April 2012. [22602/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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This matter is normally referred to the HSE for a direct reply, however we have made enquiries with the HSE in relation to this service. Due to the extraordinary pressure on services the HSE must manage service levels within existing resources. Within these constraints, the HSE has worked in partnership with Teach Tearmainn for many years and funds their information and support service for women and children who experience domestic violence. They are currently in discussions with Teach Tearmainn to determine what level of funding can be provided, for the women and children's refuge.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 357: To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding medical treatment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22704/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The HSE operates a Treatment Abroad Scheme (TAS) for persons entitled to treatment in another EU/EEA member state or Switzerland under EU Regulation 1408/71, as per the procedures set out in EU Regulation 574/72, and in accordance with Department of Health Guidelines.

Under TAS, a person ordinarily resident in Ireland may be referred abroad by an Irish-based consultant for a treatment that is:

· among the benefits provided by Irish legislation;

· not available in Ireland;

· not available within the time normally necessary for obtaining it in Ireland, taking account of the individual's current state of health and the probable course of the disease.

The following criteria must be met:

(a) The application to refer a patient abroad has been assessed and a determination given before that patient goes abroad.

(b) Following clinical assessment, the referring consultant certifies the following:

· They recommend the patient be treated in another EU/EEA country or Switzerland;

· The treatment is medically necessary and will meet the patient's needs;

· The treatment is a proven form of medical treatment and is not experimental or test treatment;

· The treatment is in a recognised hospital or other institution and is under the control of a registered medical practitioner;

· The hospital outside the state will accept EU/EEA form E112 (IE).

Any person wishing to avail of treatment abroad should approach their treating consultant in the first instance.