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Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 November 2014

Tuesday, 4 November 2014

Questions (578)

Clare Daly

Question:

578. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health his views on the Pavee Point report Challenging Barriers and Misconceptions: Roma Maternal Health in Ireland, particularly where it states that not having the proof needed to qualify for social welfare supports under the habitual residence condition acts as a major barrier to women accessing basic general practitioner services during maternity and consequently puts their pregnancies at risk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41996/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

In relation to an individual's entitlement to publicly funded health care, eligibility for health services in Ireland is based primarily on residency and means. Determining whether a person is "ordinarily resident" is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive (HSE) and differs from the condition of "habitual residence" under the social welfare rules. Typically a person should be regarded as “ordinarily resident” in Ireland if he/she satisfies the HSE that it is his/her intention to remain in Ireland for a minimum period of one year.

The Maternity and Infant Care Scheme provides an agreed programme of care to all expectant mothers who are ordinarily resident in Ireland. This service is provided by a family doctor (GP) of the expectant mother's choice and a hospital obstetrician.