Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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191. To ask the Minister for Health if an application by a person (details supplied) for treatment abroad, as recommended by the person's doctor, will be re-examined by a medical assessor; and if the application will be granted. [9079/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The HSE operates the Treatment Abroad Scheme (TAS) for persons entitled to treatment in another EU/EEA Member State or Switzerland under EU Regulation (EC) No. 883/2004, as per the procedures set out in EU Regulations (EC) No. 987/2009, and in accordance with Department of Health Guidelines. Patients apply to the HSE TAS seeking access to public healthcare outside the State through model form E112. The application requires the patient's Irish-based public referring hospital consultant, following clinical assessment, to certify, among other things, that the treatment is medically necessary and will meet the patient’s needs. The treatment must not be available within the State or not available within a time normally necessary for obtaining it.

The HSE has advised that, in the case detailed by the Deputy, an application under the Scheme was assessed and a decision letter issued to the patient and her referring consultant which identified how the application did not meet the criteria of the Scheme. The letter set out the appeals process in respect of the decision on the application, including the recommendation when making an appeal to submit all supporting clinical information of relevance to the case. Members of the TAS office have subsequently spoken with the patient and again outlined the appeals process and also gave the patient advice on the options of making a new application or applying for care under the Cross Border Healthcare Directive. The HSE has further advised that a formal appeal of the decision has yet to be received.