Arthur Spring (Kerry North-West Limerick, Labour)
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To ask the Minister for Health the qualifying conditions which nationals of EU and EEA countries, including Switzerland, would have to meet in order for them to be entitled to a medical card if they become an ordinary resident here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44525/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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EU Regulation 883/04 provides for and supports the movement of people within the European Union /European Economic Area and Switzerland. With regard to healthcare, the principle applied is that persons exercising their right to move and stay freely within the area do not suffer disadvantage. Medical Cards are provided to the following groups of people:

- Persons living in Ireland and receiving a social security payment from another EU/EEA country or Switzerland, who are not in receipt of an Irish social welfare payment and are not contributing to the Irish social welfare system, i.e. paying PRSI contributions.

- Persons living in Ireland and working in another EU/EEA country or Switzerland and are liable to pay social insurance contributions in that country.

- Persons living in Ireland who are the dependent spouse or child of someone employed in another EU /EEA country or Switzerland, not in receipt of an Irish social welfare payment other than Child Benefit or the Early Childcare Supplement and are not liable to contribute to the Irish social welfare system.

Healthcare entitlements of people from other member states on a temporary stay in Ireland, e.g. holidays, are established through the use of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). An EHIC entitles a person to necessary healthcare in the public system of any EU/EEA Member State and Switzerland also if they become ill or injured while on a temporary stay in that country.