Under the terms of the long-term illness scheme persons with diabetes mellitus are entitled to prescribed, approved medication for the treatment of their illness free of charge. If a person is in receipt of a payment from the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs or a health board payment and their income is too low to meet special dietary needs, they may be entitled to a weekly allowance for dietary needs under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme operated by the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs.
I am currently awaiting the report of the task force which was established in response to the St. Vincent Declaration to examine a range of issues relating to diabetes mellitus in Ireland. The report's recommendations will form the basis for an overall policy on this important public health issue.