Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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317. To ask the Minister for Health if laser eye surgery is covered by the medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48925/19]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Health Act 1970 (as amended) provides for two categories of eligibility for persons ordinarily resident in the country, i.e. full eligibility (medical cardholders) and limited eligibility (all others).  Full eligibility is determined mainly by reference to income limits.  Determination of an individual's eligibility status is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive.

The HSE provides, or has provided on its behalf, a range of services including all in-patient public hospital services, including consultants services, all out-patient public hospital services including consultants services, dental, ophthalmic and aural services and appliances and a maternity and infant care service.  Persons with full eligibility (medical card holders) are entitled to receive these services free of charge. 

As the provision of the particular procedure mentioned is a service matter for the HSE I have referred the matter to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.