3943. Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Health if she is aware of the ongoing delays within the Cross-Border Directive in issuing reimbursement to applicants; if she is aware of the significant financial implications these delays are having on individuals who have already incurred substantial costs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63667/26]

The HSE is responsible for the operation of the cross-border directive and has a dedicated office for that purpose.

The continued growth in use of the scheme has placed additional demands on the HSE CBD office and given rise to a build-up of applications. The increased activity is evidenced by the number of treatments reimbursed increasing by approx. 75% between 2020 and 2024.

It is important that this service operates in a responsive way and that reimbursement applications are processed within a reasonable timeframe. The HSE advises it usually aims to repay patients within 30 working days of receipt of all completed documents. The HSE advise the CBD office is currently processing applications received at the end of February 2026. A 6-month delay for reimbursement is clearly unacceptable. To address this the HSE has advised my Department that additional resources are being assigned to manage this increase in demand with the aim of restoring processing times to expected levels. I have set the HSE a specific target of getting back to the 30-day target by the end of 2026.

Reimbursement is at the cost of that treatment in Ireland or the cost of it abroad. Whichever is the lesser. Reimbursement is confined to the costs of the care itself. It does not include any additional costs incurred by the patient.

In relation to the specific question regarding financial implications of reimbursement delays, reimbursement under the Cross-Border Directive is governed by European and national legislation. Reimbursement is generally limited to the eligible healthcare costs that would have been met by the public health service in Ireland. There is no provision within the scheme for the reimbursement of interest charges, borrowing costs or other consequential financial costs arising from the manner in which treatment is financed.

Furthermore, there should be no need for such a provision because reimbursement should be predictable and timely. Our priority is to ensure that the HSE’s processing of applications improves and meets with normal operations by the end of 2026. I can assure the Deputy that my department will continue to engage with the HSE to ensure that the measures identified by the HSE are being implemented to facilitate the efficient ongoing operation of the scheme.