Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 125: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the medical card entitlements of asylum seekers in direct provision and if they are subject to any restrictions in relation to which general practitioners they are allowed to visit. [27433/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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The healthcare of asylum seekers is provided by the Health Service Executive (HSE) in the context of general arrangements governing eligibility for public health services. The arrangements in place are not subject to residency and means criteria and such persons may avail of public health services on the same basis as medical card holders, while awaiting a decision on an application to remain in this country. Asylum seekers are given medical cards for the period during which their application for refugee status is being considered. In such circumstances, a choice of doctor may be offered or a general practitioner may be assigned to the direct provision centre by the HSE, depending on the availability of General Medical Services (GMS) contract holders in the area. If refugee status is subsequently granted, then the person is regarded as ordinarily resident and comes under the usual rules for entitlement to health services.