Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

260. To ask the Minister for Health if he will review the application procedures adopted by the Health Service Executive for an elective procedure abroad, to ensure these procedures are in line with the European Union Directive 2011/24/EU (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35394/15]

Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

289. To ask the Minister for Health if he is satisfied that the guidelines published on the Health Service Executive website (details supplied) with regard to accessing health care abroad under the cross-border directive are sufficiently clear as to patient rights under the directive, and the mechanisms by which they can exercise those rights; and if he will consider ordering a review of the wording of those guidelines, so that patients' rights are clearly and simply outlined in them. [35500/15]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

316. To ask the Minister for Health if he is satisfied that the national contact point system for co-ordinating Ireland's commitment to the cross-border directive does not contravene the European Commission's requirement that member states do not operate obstructive application procedures for citizens accessing public health care, given certain matters (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35684/15]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 260, 289 and 316 together.

The procedures employed by the HSE are in line with the requirements of the EU Directive on Patients’ Rights in Cross Border Healthcare (2011/24/EU) and the Statutory Instruments which give effect to the Directive in this State. Those S.I.s ensure full conformity with the Directive and its aims of ensuring EU citizens may access safe and good quality healthcare across EU borders.

The measures employed by the HSE ensure Irish patients who seek to have healthcare abroad under the terms of the Directive are assisted with access to the information they need to make an informed choice, and following any episode of healthcare abroad in line with the Directive, they are promptly reimbursed for the cost of the healthcare upon return to Ireland. I am satisfied that the measures in place in respect of the application procedures are proportionate and do not constitute an unjustified obstacle to the free movement of patients. Furthermore, I consider the prior authorisation process provides patients seeking hospital care which requires overnight accommodation with an assurance on the level of reimbursement they will receive.

The HSE, in producing its website, including the pages relevant to this Directive, works at all times to use plain, understandable English, particularly in areas of the site that describe services for the public. This is with a view that the website is understandable to all. My Department and the HSE will keep the information provided on the Directive pages under regular review, as would be the case in respect of any new scheme, and will update them as required based on experience and feedback received. My Department has discussed the matters raised by the Deputies with the HSE and any updates required to those webpages will be promptly implemented.

The phone line provided for this scheme, 056 7784546, is constantly manned during working hours. Due to a high level of interest in this scheme, the number of calls can exceed the number of available personnel and on those occasions there may be a delay in calls being answered.