Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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679. To ask the Minister for Health if he will clarify a situation with regard to an entitlement to a medical card under EU regulations (details supplied) [36198/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Regulation (EC) 883/04 and Implementing Regulation 987/09 provide for the coordination of social security systems, including healthcare, within the EU/EEA and Switzerland, with the aim of ensuring the free movement of persons. This objective of the Regulation is to ensure that persons exercising their right to move and to stay freely within the EU/EEA and Switzerland do not suffer disadvantage.

In Ireland, a Medical Card may be issued to EU/EEA citizens under EU Regulation 883/04 if the person is in receipt of a qualifying payment from one, or more, of the Member States, provided they are not subject to Irish social insurance legislation. It is the person with the qualifying payment who is assessed for a medical card. Family members of persons with an entitlement under the EU Regulations may also be entitled to a medical card provided they (the family member(s)) are not subject to Irish social security legislation.