Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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785. To ask the Minister for Health his views regarding persons here that hold a full medical card by virtue of time spent working in the United Kingdom and who do not receive a social welfare pension; his plans to raise the issue in the upcoming Brexit negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19163/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Regulation (EC) 883/2004 deals with the coordination of social security, including health care, for those moving within the European Union. Under its provisions, persons residing in Ireland who are attached to the social security system of another member state, are entitled to receive health care services in Ireland at the cost of that member state provided they are not subject to Irish social security legislation. Persons in this category are entitled to full eligibility and receive a medical card as evidence of their entitlement.

In relation to health services, ensuring that there is minimum disruption and that essential services are maintained on a cross-border, all-Island and Ireland/UK basis will be a key concern for the Department of Health over the period ahead. As part of its analysis and contingency planning in relation to Brexit, the Department of Health is currently examining these issues and planning for a range of possible scenarios. However, it is important to be clear that until the UK formally withdraws from the Union, it remains a full member, with all of its existing rights and obligations and that there are no immediate changes in the area of health as a consequence of the UK's decision to leave the EU.