Michelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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1285. To ask the Minister for Health the criteria that applies to an Irish citizen aged over 70 years who is in receipt of a British pension and is seeking a medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36882/13]

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.

Medical Cards may be issued to EU\EEA citizens residing in Ireland under EU Regulation 883/04 if the person is in receipt of a contributory social insurance payment from one, or more, of the Member States, provided they are not receiving a contributory social insurance payment from the Irish State. EU\EEA citizens who are in receipt of a qualifying payment from another member State should make an application for a Medical Card directly to the HSE. The application should be accompanied, as evidence that they are receiving a qualifying payment, by the relevant EU "S" form issued by the Member State making their payment. The position regarding the UK is that, under a reciprocal agreement, the EU "S" form is not required, however, proof of receipt of a qualifying payment from the UK authorities should be provided with the application to the HSE.