The organisation and delivery of health care services in the EU is the responsibility of each member state. I am not aware of an over-running of western EU health systems by people from Third World countries nor have I been made aware that entire African villages intend to travel to Ireland and other EU destinations for general health care and for giving birth with a view to future eligibility of health benefits.
The health care of immigrants is addressed in the context of general arrangements governing eligibility for public health services. Eligibility for health services in Ireland is primarily based on residency and means. In discharging its international obligations my Department, through the health boards, provides for the health care of asylum seekers. The arrangements in place for asylum seekers are not, however, subject to residency and means criteria and such persons may avail of public health services on the same basis as medical card holders while awaiting a decision on an application to remain in this country. The decision on any application to remain in this State is a matter for the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
