Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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891. To ask the Minister for Health the steps taken to make the availability of services under the cross-border health care directive, Directive 2011/24/EU, known among patients who may benefit from this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30976/15]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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1081. To ask the Minister for Health the action his Department has taken to highlight the existence of the cross-border health care directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31847/15]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 891 and 1081 together.

The decision to access healthcare is primarily a matter for the patient and their physician or health professional and, in general, healthcare is not routinely advertised. It is within this professional setting that the best options for treatment are most appropriately discussed, and advice received as to where services might be sought, including availing of the provisions of the 'Cross-Border' Directive for treatment within the EU\EEA. It is also noteworthy that access to healthcare abroad under the Directive is based on patients following public patient pathways; that is, a referral is required in order to be eligible for reimbursement. This referral is not limited to Irish health professionals but nevertheless the great majority of patients are likely to have consulted an Irish health professional who then referred them for treatment here or, if they wished, within the EU\EEA. As a consequence, a general information campaign regarding the Cross Border Healthcare Directive, Directive 201/24/EU, has not been undertaken. It is also noteworthy that Recital 4 of the Directive states “the transposition of this Directive into national legislation and its application should not result in patients being encouraged to receive treatment outside their Member State of affiliation”. The HSE has tried to balance its dissemination of information regarding the Directive with this Recital in mind and has concentrated on informing the clinicians who make the referrals about the Directive. To this end it has met with the ICGP and various consultants at hospital level to inform them of the provisions of the Directive.

Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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892. To ask the Minister for Health the number of patients who have availed of the cross-border health care directive, Directive 2011/24/EU, in the years 2011 to 2014 inclusive and 2015 to date in other States; and the number in those years who have come here to avail of services [30977/15]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The Health Service Executive operates the EU Directive on Patients’ Rights in Cross Border Healthcare in Ireland. The Health Service Executive has been asked to examine the matter of the data requested and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office who will follow up the matter with them.

Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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893. To ask the Minister for Health in view of the fact that the cross-border directive allows for Irish residents to avail of health care in other EU member states that they would be entitled to within the public system here, if a greater effort will be made by the Health Service Executive to make available this health care within the State at the cost that would be paid under the cross-border directive and this would be more socially equal as many persons may not be in a position to afford to travel outside the State for their healthcare needs; if he will examine the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30991/15]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Under the conditions of EU membership, all Member States must implement EU Directives. Consequently under the EU Directive on Patients’ Rights in Cross Border Healthcare each Member State is required to implement the Directive's provisions regarding access to healthcare in other Member States/EEA countries. The Health Service Executive operates the EU Directive on Patients’ Rights in Cross Border Healthcare in Ireland.

The Health Service Executive’s National Service Plan 2015 sets out the type and volume of health and personal social services that the Executive proposes to deliver during the course of this year within its total net budget of €12,131 million. The HSE has provided a sum of €1 million in this year's National Service Plan to address costs specific to the EU Directive and will keep this under review.