Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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20. To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to any cases where Irish citizens who require medical attention in other EU countries have had their wish to have medical expenses covered under the European health insurance card turned down in breach of their entitlements under the scheme; if he understands that there is no enforcement mechanism in place either bilaterally or at EU level to ensure enforcement of the EHIC regulations; that Irish citizens are in some cases being forced to pay significant medical bills where they should be covered; if he plans to raise this matter with his EU colleagues at the next Council of Ministers meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26908/14]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), introduced in 2004, certifies that the holder has the right to receive emergency healthcare during a temporary stay in any EU country as well as Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Iceland. This right is guaranteed to all persons who are covered by the public healthcare system of these countries. The European Health Insurance Card holder has the right to receive necessary treatment in the host Member State's public healthcare system on the same terms and at the same cost as nationals of the state concerned. Member States are entitled to seek reimbursement of the cost of the provision of these services to individuals from the Member State which is "competent" for the client concerned, i.e. the Member State which issued the EHIC.

Where citizens require healthcare, but do not have an European Health Insurance Card, or don't have it with them, they can also request a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC) from the relevant health body in their home Member State and this can usually be faxed or e-mailed to them. The PRC will show that they are entitled to benefit in the host country from the right to necessary healthcare given by EU law and can be used in the same way as a European Health Insurance Card. The aim is always to prevent citizens having to return home before the end of the planned duration of stay. It is also important to note that an Irish EHIC holder charged for a public health service in another State can claim a refund on return through their local HSE office.

The Deputy has enquired if I am aware of cases where Irish citizens who requested healthcare were turned down in breach of their entitlements under the scheme. Neither I, nor the Health Service Executive (HSE), have received any complaints and have no knowledge of any such refusals. I am however aware that the Commission has investigated some complaints from other Member States regarding treatment for temporary visitors to Spain. 

It is not correct for the Deputy to say that there is no enforcement mechanism to ensure compliance with Regulations governing health care as the Commission has the power to initiate “infringement procedures” which could ultimately end up in the European Court of Justice.