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Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - EEC Patients' Treatment.

Informing Irish travellers of EEC health entitlements

Summary

Dr. O’Connell sought Department information for Irish people travelling to EEC countries about their health and social-service entitlements. The Minister agreed to consider it, and Mr. Bruton suggested distributing leaflets with passports; the Minister was receptive.

May I ask the Minister if Irish people going abroad are made aware of their entitlement in EEC countries under the health services of these countries?

Comment on this

I assume the Deputy means they should be made aware by the Department?

Comment on this

Yes. Could arrangements be made to inform members of the public who may be going to EEC countries of their entitlement to the various social services including health services in the EEC countries? Would the Department consider compiling details of the services available because many people now going abroad due to language problems and so on are not aware of their entitlements under EEC regulations? Perhaps an information sheet from the Department might assist them.

Comment on this

I shall see what can be done.

Comment on this

Would the Minister consider arranging in conjunction with the Department of Foreign Affairs that the leaflets mentioned by Deputy O'Connell would be issued at the time of issue or renewal of passports?

Comment on this

Yes, although of course passports are issued for the world at large.

Comment on this

Even if they were issued once every five years.

Comment on this

I once saw at a French airport a very good type of leaflet for French citizens going abroad.

Comment on this