Vol. 569 No. 4
239 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to appoint a liaison officer to meet a representative of the Irish ME Trust regarding the creation of specialist facilities for persons suffering from ME-CFS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18021/03]
I have asked officials in my Department to con tact the Irish ME Trust with a view to arranging a meeting to discuss issues surrounding health services for sufferers of ME.
240 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Health and Children if ME-CFS patients requiring treatment in specialist centres will be eligible to avail of such services in another jurisdiction under the E112 initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18022/03]
There is no specific list of medical conditions for which authorisation to travel abroad for treatment may be granted. Where an individual wishes to receive medical treatment in another EU member state, he or she must apply to the local health board for authorisation for the treatment in question. The health board assesses each individual application on the basis of criteria issued by the Department, which includes the submission of the necessary medical evidence by a hospital consultant. If authorisation is granted, a form E112 is issued which confirms the health board's commitment to pay the cost of treatment.
