Health Services.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 July 2006

Tuesday, 4 July 2006

Questions (197, 198)

Jack Wall

Question:

208 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an appointment for surgery at Tallaght General Hospital for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25893/06]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Ivor Callely

Question:

209 Mr. Callely asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the criteria for a person to qualify for an E121 card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25901/06]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

Regulation (EC) 1408/71 provides for the coordination of social security systems, including healthcare, among EU member states. Under the Regulation, those who are insured with or covered by the healthcare system of one member state but who are residing or staying in another member state receive healthcare in the state of residence or stay on behalf of the member state with which they are insured or covered.

Under this Regulation, Form E121 is a certificate of entitlement to healthcare benefits-in-kind for pensioners and dependant members of their families who transfer residence from one member state to another. Benefits-in-kind are provided in the member state of residence on behalf of the competent member state, as if the pensioner and members of his/her family were covered under the health scheme of that Member State.

At present, to qualify for a From E121 in Ireland a pensioner or member of his/her family must be ordinarily resident in or intending to become ordinarily resident in another EEA Member State or in Switzerland; in receipt of a contributory social welfare pension; and not be employed or self-employed in the member state of residence.