Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 June 2005
130 Mr. Cregan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the situation with regard to entitlement to a medical card for persons from the United Kingdom who move here for work or other purposes; and the restrictions on same. [21439/05]
View answerEU entitlement to health services in Ireland is dependent on the production by the individual of the appropriate liaison form, duly completed by the competent authority in the home state. However, Ireland and the United Kingdom have agreed to waive the requirement to produce liaison forms for citizens who, while on temporary stays in either country, need only to show proof of residence.
EU Regulations (1408/71) deal with the co-ordination of social security schemes, including health care, for those moving within the European Union. Arrangements under these regulations supersede the provisions of the Irish eligibility system in respect of certain categories of nationals of other EU countries. These arrangements are as follows: social security pensioners of other EU countries who are not covered by an Irish social welfare pension, as recipient or as dependent, and who are not employed or self-employed here, receive a medical card; and persons resident here who are insured workers in the territory of another EU country receive a medical card.
Applications for health benefits can be made through the Health Service Executive, HSE, area where an individual intends to live or stay.
Eligibility for health services in Ireland under national legislation is primarily based on residency and means. The determination of eligibility for a medical card is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive. Other than for persons aged 70 years and over, who are automatically entitled to a medical card, medical cards are issued to persons who, in the opinion of the HSE, are unable to provide general practitioner medical and social services for themselves and their dependants without undue hardship.
