Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 Feb 1997

Vol. 475 No. 1

Written Answers. - Medical Cards.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

142 Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that asylum seekers arriving in Ireland can face up to a six-week wait for a medical card; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that many asylum seekers require urgent medical attention following ill-treatment in their countries of origin; the proposals, if any, he has to ensue the prompt issuing of medical cards to asylum seekers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1972/97]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan

, Limerick East): Any person, regardless of nationality, who is accepted by the health boards as being “ordinarily resident” in Ireland is entitled to either full eligibility (category 1, i.e. medical card holders) or limited eligibility (category 2) for health services. Health boards normally regard a person as “ordinarily resident” in Ireland if he/she satisfies the health board that it is his/her intention to remain in Ireland for a minimum period of one year.

I have not received any representations regarding a waiting period for a medical card by any asylum seekers. I have made inquiries of the health boards in the matter and have been informed that asylum seekers are dealt with in the same manner as the general population in the processing of medical card applications; in an emergency, medical cards can be issued within a few days. If asylum seekers require urgent medical attention, for whatever reason, they are also treated on the same basis as the general population.