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.

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