179 Deputy Joe Behan asked the Minister for Health and Children the eligibility criteria for free medical care and medical card for citizens of the UK who have been ordinarily resident in Ireland for more than 25 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42586/10]

Under the Health Acts, eligibility for health services is based on residency and means. Determination of eligibility is the responsibility of the HSE. Any person, regardless of nationality, who is accepted by the HSE as being ordinarily resident in Ireland is entitled to either full eligibility (medical card holders) or limited eligibility for health services.

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.