John Lyons (Dublin North West, Labour)
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360. To ask the Minister for Health if he is aware of a potential phishing scam that is taking place in regards to the European health card, where persons who have re-applied for their card online are being contacted by a seemingly official source, which is charging them for the privilege; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27301/15]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Under EU Regulations, all persons ordinarily resident in Ireland are entitled to apply for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The EHIC 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.

The HSE processes applications for the EHIC and states very clearly on its website that there is no charge for providing the EHIC and that any website attempting to charge for an EHIC is not connected to the HSE or any state services. I understand the HSE has been in contact with the Deputy on this matter.