Vol. 413 No. 6
122 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health if her attention has been drawn to the fact that myasthenia gravis affects 160 people in Ireland; and whether her Department has any plans for support services or for research for the benefit of sufferers of this disease.
I am satisfied that the existing statutory schemes for general practitioner services, hospital services and drug cost refunds cater adequately for persons suffering from myasthenia gravis. Those with the condition are entitled to publicly funded health services in the normal way. They may apply for a medical card or, where they have Category II eligibility, they can avail themselves of the drugs refund scheme and the drug costs subsidisation scheme.
The Health Research Board, a statutory body under the responsibility of the Minister for Health, keeps itself informed of research developments in Ireland and abroad. While the board have no direct involvement in research into myasthenia gravis it will continue to keep in touch with developments in the area.
