Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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208. To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide details of any reciprocal arrangements that apply between Ireland and other countries concerning the provision of medical cards or health services to persons from other jurisdictions residing here and vice versa; if these benefits are means tested in any way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44000/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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In relation to persons on a temporary visit to Ireland, under EU Regulations a person who becomes ill or injured while on a temporary stay in any EU/EEA Member State or Switzerland may available of emergency health care in the public health system of the country under the terms of that countries public health system. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is issued to facilitate this process. In Ireland such a person is treated as if they have full eligibility (i.e. have a medical card) and no charge is levied. Irish citizens are treated in a similar manner when they require such emergency public health care within the EU/EEA and Switzerland (and produce their EHIC), the arrangements are reciprocal and Ireland provides services to citizens of other EU/EAA States and Switzerland while they provide emergency care to our citizens.

A Reciprocal Agreement exists for Treatment for Medical Care for Temporary Visitors between Australia and Ireland and provides that where a resident of Australia is temporarily in Ireland, and needs immediate necessary medical treatment while in Ireland, they shall be provided with such medical treatment as is clinically necessary for the diagnosis, alleviation or care of the condition requiring attention, as a public patient within the public health care system on terms no less favourable than would apply to a resident of Ireland.

In relation to Australia, "resident" means a person who is an Australian resident for the purposes of the Health Insurance Act 1973 and holds either a current Australian passport or any other current passport endorsed to the effect that the holder is entitled to reside indefinitely in Australia.

Where a person is ordinarily resident in Ireland and belongs to one of the following groups, they will qualify for a Medical Card under EU Regulations. They are:

- living in Ireland and receiving a social security payment from another European Union /European Economic Area (EU/EEA) country or Switzerland and are not getting an Irish social welfare payment (apart from Child Benefit or Early Childcare Supplement). The person must not be liable to contribute to the Irish Social Welfare System, (i.e. PRSI)

- living in Ireland and working in another EU/EEA country or Switzerland and are liable to pay Social Insurance Contributions in that country

- living in Ireland and is the dependent spouse or child of someone employed in another EU/EEA country and Switzerland. The person must not be getting an Irish Social Welfare Payment apart from Child Benefit or Early Childcare Supplement and must not be liable to contribute to the Irish social welfare system.

Means testing does not apply to medical cards granted under EU Regulations.