70. Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Health why a person (details supplied) was denied scheduled surgery under the treatment abroad scheme while on the public waiting list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4557/16]

I am advised by the HSE Treatment Abroad Scheme office that this patient was approved via a specific mechanism authorised to address the waiting list for spinal surgery in Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital. Furthermore it has been confirmed that the approval of funding in respect of the patient’s treatment in the UK has already been notified to the patient’s parents and the treating hospital in the UK.