Medical Card Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 March 2017

Tuesday, 21 March 2017

Ceisteanna (714)

Eamon Scanlon

Ceist:

714. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health if a person that is ordinarily resident here but is currently a student in Hungary can qualify for a medical card; the reason a person studying in Hungary may no longer qualify for a medical card; the frequency with which this person must return home to be considered as ordinarily resident by the Health Service Executive; if it is sufficient to be here approximately five months of the year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12865/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.

The Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.