James Leonard
Ceist:116 Mr. Leonard asked the Minister for Health when a European health card will be introduced. [10184/96]
Written Answers. - European Health Card.
Limerick East): The European Parliament has recently made recommendations regarding the introduction of a European health card and it is understood that the European Commission will at the beginning of 1997 make a proposal on this matter to the Health Ministers of the European Union.
An EU electronic medical record card is currently being piloted in ten EU Regions (in nine member states), one of which is within the Eastern Health Board area. It is intended that the card will include details regarding eligibility of persons for healthcare services under EU Regulations. Because it is a pilot project covering specific regions within nine member states, there are no plans, at present, to make the card available to all Irish citizens.