Vol. 467 No. 1
147 Mr. Bree asked the Minister for Health whether Irish citizens who reside in North America are covered by Category 2 eligibility for health services while residing in or visiting Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12698/96]
Limerick East): The entitlement of Irish citizens who reside in North America to health services in Ireland is governed by the provisions of the Health (Amendment) Act, 1991, which introduced the criteria of “ordinary residence” for determining eligibility for health services in Ireland. Any person, regardless of nationality who is regarded as ordinarily resident in Ireland is entitled to either category 1 eligibility (i.e. medical card holders) or category 2 eligibility (limited eligibility) for health services. In this regard, health boards normally regard persons as “ordinarily resident” in Ireland if he/she satisfies the health board that it is his/her intention to remain in Ireland for a minimum period of one year.
Where a person is deemed not be be "ordinarily resident" in Ireland the health board/hospital may apply the full economic charge for any services provided. However, a health board/hospital has the discretion to provide urgent medical treatment at a reduced charge or without charge where application of the full economic charge would cause undue hardship. In addition where an Irish national has been resident abroad for a period of up to three years but the health board is satisfied that the person did not establish an entitlement to health services in any other country, the health board would regard the person as "ordinarily resident" in Ireland if he/she requires treatment on returning to Ireland.
