Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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144. To ask the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the treatment abroad scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3581/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The HSE operates a Treatment Abroad Scheme (TAS), for persons entitled to treatment in another EU/EEA Member State or Switzerland under EU Regulation 883/04, as per the procedures set out in EU Regulation 987/09, 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 result of the EU referendum in the UK means that the UK electorate have declared their wish to leave the EU. It is important to be clear that until the UK formally withdraws from the Union, it remains a full member, with all of its existing rights and obligations. I wish to assure the Deputy that there are no immediate changes in the area of health as a consequence of the UK's decision to leave the EU. Irish patients who had planned to travel to the UK under the Treatment Abroad Scheme may continue to do so as planned.

An extensive programme of engagement with all other EU Governments and the EU institutions, including the Commission’s Brexit Negotiations Task Force, is under way. This engagement is being intensified in 2017. The Taoiseach and Ministers will continue to meet and engage with their EU counterparts over coming weeks to emphasise Ireland’s concerns and to ensure that they are fully reflected in the EU position once negotiations commence.