John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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282. To ask the Minister for Health the safeguards in place to avoid abuse of the European health card system in accessing medical care here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32580/16]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Under EU Regulations, all persons ordinarily resident in the EU 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 management and implementation of the EHIC system is a matter for the Health Service Executive (HSE). The HSE has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.