Written answers
Tuesday, 30 June 2015
Department of Health
Medical Card Eligibility
Anthony Lawlor (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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401. To ask the Minister for Health if Irish nuns and priests who are engaged in missionary work abroad are entitled to a medical card for the months they return to Ireland between missions; if not, the reasons for same; if those over 70 years of age will be entitled to the over 70s general practitioner visit card when it is introduced in August 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25686/15]
Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Under the Health Act, 1970, as amended, eligibility for health services is based primarily on residency and means. A person living in Ireland for at least one year is considered by the HSE to be 'ordinarily resident' and is entitled to either full eligibility (medical card) or limited eligibility for health services. Persons who are ordinarily resident in the State and who have attained the age of 70 years will qualify for the over-70s GP visit card, when introduced.
People who have not been resident in Ireland must satisfy the HSE that it is their intention to remain for a minimum of one year in order to be eligible for health services.
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