Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
1731. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if he plans to conduct a review of the long-term illness scheme to include other chronic conditions and diseases; the last time that his Department conducted a review of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42861/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Long-Term Illness (LTI) scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). Regulations were made in 1971, 1973 and 1975, prescribing 16 illnesses covered by the scheme. These are: acute leukaemia; mental handicap; cerebral palsy; mental illness (in a person under 16); cystic fibrosis; multiple sclerosis; diabetes insipidus; muscular dystrophies; diabetes mellitus; parkinsonism; epilepsy; phenylketonuria; haemophilia; spina bifida; hydrocephalus; and conditions arising from the use of Thalidomide.
Under the LTI scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge.
There have been several reviews of the LTI scheme carried out by my Department, the most recent of which was in 2018. At that time, it was decided that the LTI scheme should be included in an extensive review of the current eligibility framework.
Therefore, the LTI scheme will be included in a review of the current eligibility framework, including the basis for existing hospital and medication charges, that will be carried out under commitments given in the Sláintecare Implementation Strategy. It is not possible at this juncture to say what the outcome of this review will be or when it will be completed.
The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform recently completed a spending review of the LTI scheme, which will be published shortly. The results and recommendations of that spending review will also inform the wider eligibility review of the LTI scheme.
