Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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152. To ask the Minister for Health if he will outline in detail the operation of the treatment abroad scheme; the way applications are received; the criteria applied when determining eligibility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51994/13]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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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 883/04, as per the procedures set out in EU Regulation 987/09, and in accordance with Department of Health Guidelines. Subject to the EU Regulations and Guidelines, the TAS provides for the cost of approved treatments in another EU/EEA member state or Switzerland through the issue of form E112 (IE) where the treatment is:

- Among the benefits provided for by Irish legislation,

- Not available in Ireland,

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

The TAS allows for an Irish based public Consultant to refer a patient who is normally resident in Ireland for treatment in another EU member state or Switzerland, where:

(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 that the treatment is:

- medically necessary and will meet the patient’s needs;

- a proven form of medical treatment and not experimental or test treatment;

- provided in a recognised hospital or other institution that will accept EU/EEA form E112 (IE) and is under the control of a registered medical practitioner.

Further information on the scheme is available on the HSE website or by contacting the HSE Treatment Abroad Scheme office on 056 778 4551 or via email on . Application forms and information documents can be obtained through that office.

In submitting an application to the HSE, a public consultant must provide confirmation that the patient cannot be provided with the required treatment within the State within a reasonable timeframe, having due regard to their medical health and course of their condition. Exact details of how and the extent to which the condition of the patient will deteriorate due to the wait, beyond what can be expected to be achieved by a more timely intervention, are required when submitting the application.