Paul McGrath
Question:233 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the criteria for eligibility for a medical card for Irish residents in receipt of a pension from the United Kingdom. [5872/99]
Written Answers. - Medical Cards.
Under EU Regulation 1408/71, persons taking up permanent residence in Ireland who are in receipt of a social security pension from another EU member state, who are not in receipt of an Irish Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs pension, as either a recipient or dependant, and are not employed or self-employed here are entitled to health services free of charge. Medical cards are normally issued in such cases. Otherwise, they are entitled to health services on the same basis as persons normally resident here, i.e. on means.
The costs involved in providing care to persons who qualify for health services under EU regulations as outlined above are normally borne by the country which pays the social security pension.