Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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131. To ask the Minister for Health the assistance being offered to persons (details supplied) in County Kildare towards the costs of an operation which will be conducted outside the State. [2675/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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In my previous reply to the Deputy on this matter, on 17 December last, I advised that the HSE operates the Treatment Abroad Scheme (TAS) and that an application under the Scheme was the appropriate avenue available to this family in seeking assistance in respect of the proposed surgery. The HSE has again advised that an application under the Scheme has yet to be received in respect of this case. Full details of the scheme and application process are available on the HSE website or by phone from 056 7784059.

Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.