Liam Aylward
Question:102 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Health whether a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny is qualified for hospital cover. [24399/96]
Written Answers. - Hospital Service Entitlements.
Limerick East): Entitlement to public health services in Ireland is primarily based on residence and means and is not related to payment of PRSI.
Following the passing of the Health (Amendment) Act, 1991, all persons who are deemed to be ordinarily resident in Ireland by the appropriate health board are entitled to public hospital services. Medical card holders are entitled to the full range of such services free of charge. Non-medical card holders are entitled to all in-patient and accident and emergency public hospital services subject only to modest statutory charges. They are also entitled to outpatient services, but excluding dental and routine ophthalmic services, free of charge. In addition, those with a referral note from their general practitioner are exempt from the accident and emergency statutory charge. Persons may also qualify for health services under EU regulations.