Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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448. To ask the Minister for Health the circumstances governing eligibility for a medical card as it relates to UK citizens living here, Irish citizens returning from periods of employment in the UK and Irish citizens returning from the UK on retirement from employment there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40272/14]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Under the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for public health services in Ireland is based primarily on residency and means. Under EU legislation, persons insured in any EU Member state, together with persons insured in any EEA Member state (Iceland, Norway or Liechtenstein) or in Switzerland, are entitled to healthcare. In order to obtain a Medical Card under EU legislation, the applicant must produce the appropriate E or S-form, completed by their Member State confirming the healthcare entitlement for which that state is liable.

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. The issue of citizenship is not relevant in determining eligibility, rather it is residential status in Ireland and the linkage to the social security system in the UK.

The HSE has responsibility to establish if an applicant is subject to Irish social security legislation. A person is considered subject to Irish social security legislation if s/he is in receipt of a contributory Irish social welfare payment or engaged in work in Ireland and subject to PRSI. If a person is considered subject to Irish social security legislation, that person will not qualify for a Medical Card under EU legislation, but may qualify for a means-tested Medical Card under national legislation.