104 Dr. Fitzpatrick asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the plans that are made for patients who may require admission for respite care, hospital care or nursing home care upon their return to Ireland, in the case of persons who are treated abroad under the national treatment purchase scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6454/05]

The question of providing after care for patients who have had their treatment arranged by the national treatment purchase fund, NTPF, outside the State is a matter for the fund. My Department has, therefore, asked the acting chief executive of the NTPF to reply directly to the Deputy on the matters raised.