asked the Minister for Health if any agreement exists between him and the medical profession regarding the treatment of EEC patients.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - EEC Patients' Treatment.
9.
Under EEC regulations we are required to provide a full range of health services free of charge for persons from other member states who have eligibility under these regulations. This requirement was explained to the medical organisations on our entry into the EEC and agreement was reached on the arrangement which now operates for the provision of these services.
May I ask the Minister if Irish people going abroad are made aware of their entitlement in EEC countries under the health services of these countries?
I assume the Deputy means they should be made aware by the Department?
Yes. Could arrangements be made to inform members of the public who may be going to EEC countries of their entitlement to the various social services including health services in the EEC countries? Would the Department consider compiling details of the services available because many people now going abroad due to language problems and so on are not aware of their entitlements under EEC regulations? Perhaps an information sheet from the Department might assist them.
I shall see what can be done.
Would the Minister consider arranging in conjunction with the Department of Foreign Affairs that the leaflets mentioned by Deputy O'Connell would be issued at the time of issue or renewal of passports?
Yes, although of course passports are issued for the world at large.
Even if they were issued once every five years.
I once saw at a French airport a very good type of leaflet for French citizens going abroad.