I wish to speak again about Arklow’s Eímear Byrne, who is awaiting life-saving surgery that is not available in Ireland. Only last week, Ms Byrne was made aware that she is not a suitable candidate for the treatment abroad scheme. Her only option, therefore, is to travel, at enormous expense, to the Johns Hopkins clinic in Baltimore, USA. As the treatment abroad scheme does not cover the USA, the people of Arklow and the surrounding area have stood up and set up a fundraising campaign. There has been an absolutely incredible response.

I am aware that we currently do not provide financial assistance for treatments in the USA, but I am asking if we can look at the policy again, as cases such as that of Ms Byrne, who cannot get treatment in Europe, simply cannot be ignored. I spoke directly with Ms Byrne’s mother this morning, and, in her words, we are dealing with a life-and-death scenario. We are here as TDs and our main focus is to look after and support our constituents and their communities. If ever there was a case that needed support, it would be that of Eímear Byrne.

I thank the Deputy for raising this case and I commend the people for rallying behind Eímear Byrne, a young teacher, and her family. I will talk to the Minister for Health in respect of this case. I am aware of the treatment abroad scheme being confined to the European area. There is some talk of engaging with the European reference network on rare multisystemic vascular diseases, ERN, and similar conditions. I am not clear as to whether this treatment can be done in Europe, but, equally, I take the Deputy’s point. We have had a good relationship with the Johns Hopkins clinic over the decades in respect of other matters. I will talk to the Minister in respect of this case to see if we can get an opportunity here to be of help and assistance to young Eímear and her family.