The Ombudsman for Children has recommended that the Health Service Executive (HSE) honour a treatment-abroad agreement made with the parents of a young boy with limb abnormalities.

The child receives treatment for the condition in the USA and the HSE had paid for 70% of the costs. However it has since terminated the payments because of a change in the conditions of the Treatment Abroad Scheme. It has now agreed to reinstate them.

The 7-year-old boy receives treatment for his condition in the US as he was born with limb abnormalities affecting his right leg and his arms.

In 2009 the HSE agreed to pay the majority of the costs involved under the Treatment Abroad Scheme. However the executive subsequently stopped funding the treatment following a change in the terms of the scheme.

The Ombudsman Emily Logan says this was contrary to sound administration and adversely affected the child.

It says the HSE should honour the agreement it made with the family which the Health Service Executive has now agreed to do.

Ombudsman Emily Logan explains more about the case and the decision.