Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 April 2026
802. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether a formal written policy, circular, or governance framework governs approvals under the treatment abroad scheme; if so, to provide the title and date of such policy; and if not, the basis upon which consistent decision-making is ensured. [28121/26]
View answer808. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the policy basis upon which ongoing referrals and funding approvals are authorised under the treatment abroad scheme, including whether such approvals are governed by national clinical policy, EU regulation alone, or Departmental guidance. [28127/26]
View answer811. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health to set out the full approval chain for individual high-cost treatments funded under the treatment abroad scheme, including whether financial approval is distinct from clinical approval and the level at which final sign-off occurs. [28130/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 802, 808 and 811 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, the HSE operates the Treatment Abroad Scheme (TAS) for persons entitled to treatment in another EU/EEA member state, UK or Switzerland under Regulation (EC) No. 883/2004, as per the procedures set out in Regulation (EC) No. 987/2009. Subject to the EU Regulations and Guidelines, patients may apply to the HSE TAS seeking access to public health care outside the state through the issue of form S2 (IE). The application requires the patient's referring hospital consultant based in Ireland, 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 the time normally necessary for obtaining it in Ireland, taking account of the patient's current state of health and the probable course of the disease. Applications to the TAS are processed and a determination given in accordance with the statutory framework prior to a patient travelling to avail of treatment.
Information and guidelines on the EU Social Security Co-ordination governing legislative framework are available on the European Commission website:
• https://employment-social-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies-and-activities/moving-working-europe/eu-social-security-coordination/specialised-information/eu-legislation_en
• https://employment-social-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies-and-activities/moving-working-europe/eu-social-security-coordination/specialised-information/official-documents_en
The HSE is responsible for implementing the Regulations in Ireland and provides further information for patients on the HSE TAS website: https://www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/treatment-abroad-scheme/
Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. As the HSE holds responsibility for the management and operation of the EU Treatment Abroad Scheme (TAS), for persons entitled under EU Regulation 883/04, I have also asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
