James Lawless
Question:699. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health to examine an issue (details supplied). [19116/24]
View answerTuesday, 30 April 2024
Questions (699)
Written answers
I understand the Deputy may be seeking information on the EU Cross Border Directive.
The EU Cross Border Directive (CBD) provides rules for the reimbursements to patients of the cost of receiving treatment abroad, where the patient would be entitled to such treatment in their home Member State, and supplements the rights that patients already have at EU level. The HSE operates the EU Cross Border Directive (CBD) in Ireland. Under the terms of the CBD, patients in Ireland can seek to be referred to another EU/EEA country for medical treatment that is available in the public health service in Ireland. The patient may access the overseas service in either the public or private health sector of the country they choose to receive the service in. The patient pays for the treatment and claims reimbursement from the HSE at the cost of that treatment in Ireland or the cost of it abroad, whichever is the lesser. The HSE, in fulfilling its role as the National Contact Point (NCP) in Ireland, provides information for patients on the operation of the CBD, including contact details on its website. www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/cross-border-directive/
As the correspondence concerns a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.