Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 168: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a matter (details supplied). [43031/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for the medical card benefit, it is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has therefore requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 169: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will assist an organisation (details supplied) which caters for persons with an intellectual disability in regard to medical cards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43077/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Entitlement to health services in Ireland is primarily based on residency and means. Any person, regardless of nationality, who is accepted by the Health Service Executive (HSE) as being ordinarily resident in Ireland is entitled to either full eligibility (Category 1, i.e. medical card holders) or limited eligibility (Category 2) for health services. The HSE normally regards a person 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. Non-EEA nationals who are not deemed to be "ordinarily resident" in Ireland but who are legally resident in the EU may be covered by the provisions of Regulation (EC) 1408/71, which coordinates social security, including healthcare, for people travelling within the EU.

However, where a person is not deemed to be "ordinarily resident" in Ireland, and where arrangements under EU Regulations do not apply, there is no entitlement to public health services in Ireland. The HSE may, in the case of such persons, either apply the full economic charge for any services provided or may provide urgent necessary treatment at a reduced charge or without charge (as deemed appropriate by the HSE) where application of the full economic charge would cause undue hardship. Private health insurance may also be arranged by or on behalf of persons who do not fulfil the requirements for eligibility for public health services in Ireland.