Minister James Reilly should immediately move to implement legislation on Cross Border Healthcare which would enable Irish citizens to avail of healthcare in another EU country and have their costs reimbursed up to the cost of the treatment in Ireland.

This was stated by Marian Harkin when she said that Ireland had failed to implement the legislation by October 25th which was the date by which all Member States should ratify legislation.

She said: “In truth most people prefer to access their healthcare in their own country, but in certain circumstances they may choose to go abroad. In some cases they may need to seek authorisation before travelling for treatment, eg if the treatment requires an overnight stay in a hospital or if the procedure is highly specialised and cost intensive. This authorisation cannot be refused if the patient cannot be treated in their home country within a time limit which is medically justifiable.

“National health authorities can refuse authorisation if the treatment in question could present a risk to the patient or if healthcare can be provided at home within a medically justifiable time limit. In such circumstances however Member States will be required to explain their decision and patients have a right to appeal.

“All Member States are required to set up National Points where patients can access all the relevant information. In regard to payments, either the patient will pay up front and be reimbursed or Member States may pay for the healthcare directly.

“Ireland has dragged its heels on implementing this piece of legislation and it is Irish patients who will lose out. The EU Commissioner Tonio Borg has stated that the Commission will pursue Countries that fail to transpose and implement this Directive in a timely fashion.

“Access to cross border healthcare, where needed, is the right of every European citizen. We should not be treated as second class citizens, our rights should be vindicated by Minister Reilly and he should ensure that this legislation is put in place without delay,” Marian Harkin concluded.