Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 178: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a medical card-holder who has been prescribed oxygen can obtain this medical equipment for free while on holiday in another EU State under EU rules; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17276/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Irish residents are entitled to necessary health care in the public system of any EU/EEA member state during a temporary stay in that country on the same basis as if they were an insured resident of that member state. In this context it should be noted that charges or co-payments may apply for services in the accordance with each country's rules and regulations. Temporary stays are periods where the person cannot be considered resident in a member state under that country's legislation. In Ireland, the European Health Insurance Card may be issued to all those ordinarily resident in this country, and is not based on citizenship.

This entitlement to health care serves to enhance freedom of movement within the EU for all those covered by Regulation 1408/71, which governs the coordination of social security, including health care, within the Union.

It is recognised that people requiring certain specialised treatments, in particular oxygen therapy or dialysis, are entitled to such care under these arrangements while on a temporary stay abroad, on the basis that prior agreements are entered into in regard to the availability of appropriate services. This arrangement is accepted by all member states, given that such specialised treatments may not be available in all locations. The aim is to ensure that freedom of movement is not adversely affected for a person requiring such treatments.