Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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388. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to implement the recommendations of the Ombudsman in relation to the treatment abroad scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3045/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Treatment Abroad Scheme (TAS) which is operated by the HSE is undoubtedly a vital service for Irish patients as it enables them to access health services in other EU/EEA countries and Switzerland where access to those services is generally not available in Ireland. The ability of consultants to access a scheme that can harness the expertise and specialist services in other EU/EEA Member States on behalf of Irish patients is particularly important given the relatively small size of our population.

The recently published Ombudsman Report highlights that in the vast majority of cases the administration of the TAS works well but the Report does however highlight areas where the administration of the TAS can be enhanced and has subsequently made a number of recommendations in that regard.

The HSE has committed to establish a working group, that will include key stakeholders such as patient advocates, in order to progress these recommendations, and will remain in contact with the Ombudsman's office throughout the process. My Department will also liaise with the HSE following our examination of the findings of the Ombudsman's Report, which is currently underway.