Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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517. To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding financial help in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27020/14]

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 Regulations 574/72, and in accordance with Department of Health Guidelines. Patients, in conjunction with their Irish based public referring hospital consultant, have the ability to apply to the HSE TAS seeking access to public healthcare outside the state through model form E112. The treatment must not be available within the State or not available within a time normally necessary for obtaining it. Applications to TAS are processed and a determination given in accordance with the statutory framework prior to a patient travelling to avail of treatment. A decision is made on each application in accordance with this legislation and guidelines and on the basis of a review by clinical experts. Approved applicants/patients' hospital treatment costs are covered through the issue of form E112 (IE) for the specific identified episode of care. Once a patient is discharged from a specific episode of care abroad, their care immediately reverts to their Irish based consultant.

The TAS allows for an Irish based medical consultant to refer a patient who is normally resident in Ireland, for treatment in a public hospital in another EU/EEA member state or Switzerland, where the treatment in question meets the following criteria:

(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).

Each application to the HSE TAS is reviewed individually on its own merits and there are no restrictions, regarding age or otherwise, on a person making an application to the HSE TAS for review and decision. Previous approvals or declines are not used as an influencing factor on subsequent applications. Each application is for an individual episode of care unless otherwise specified by the consultant on the application form. Each application to TAS is processed and given a formal written decision. If that decision is one of decline, the reason for that decision is clearly outlined and the option of an appeal is afforded.

Full details of the Treatment Abroad Scheme and how to make an application may be found on the HSE website at . It should be noted that the extent of cover for treatment abroad provided by a health insurance policy is a matter between the insurer (Aviva in this instance) and the policy holder.