Brendan Ryan (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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474. To ask the Minister for Health his views on the use of hyperbaric chambers as a treatment for fibromyalgia; if the treatment is used in public hospitals to treat fibromyalgia; if this treatment is offered by private insurance providers in the Irish market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14783/16]

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be used to treat a range of conditions including soft tissue burns, amputations, neurological diseases and other conditions.

I do not have a role in the day to day operations of any private health insurance company. Insurance providers are commercial companies operating in a competitive market and make decisions as to the benefits members are entitled to, in accordance with the terms and conditions of each individual member's policy.

The availability of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on private health insurance products is a function of the private health insurance market. It is advisable therefore that any health insurance plan under consideration be checked with the health insurance provider concerned for coverage of specific therapies.

As the question about whether hyperbaric oxygen therapy is used in public hospitals is a service matter, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.