asked the Minister for Health if Irish nationals are entitled to free health service in other EEC states; if he will list such services; and if any consideration is being given to making such services uniform throughout the Community.

Irish persons who are insured under the Irish social welfare legislation or have contributory pensions under that legislation or the dependants of such persons are eligible under EEC regulations to avail of health services in other EEC states. If the eligible Irish person is resident in another EEC country he is entitled to free medical services on the same basis as an eligible person in that country. If he is a short-term visitor to another EEC country his entitlement is confined to whatever urgent medical treatment he may require.

The services which are available and the procedures for obtaining these services vary from country to country. A full description of the services and procedures is set out in a series of booklets which have been prepared by the Administrative Commission of the European Communities on Social Security for Migrant Workers. I will send a set of these booklets to the Deputy.

I am not aware of any consideration being given to making health services uniform throughout the Community.