asked the Minister for Health if he will consider introducing free medicines without a means test for patients who are suffering from (i) cystic fibrosis, (ii) spina bifida and (iii) epilepsy.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Free Medicines.
26.
I propose, with the consent of the Minister for Finance, to make regulations under section 59 (3) of the Health Act, 1970, providing for free drugs and medicines without a means test for persons suffering from certain chronic ailments. These regulations will come into operation next year. I trust the Deputy will appreciate that I cannot be specific about the ailments which will be covered but those he refers to will merit my most sympathetic consideration.
The Minister is aware that due to the Government's lethargic approach to the treatment of these particular groups certain voluntary bodies have had to be set up by the public in order to raise funds to alleviate the sufferings of these families. Would the Minister not therefore expedite legislation and ensure that these three groups of sufferers are relieved of the heavy medical expenses they must bear?
I have answered this question over and over again in the Dáil. The Deputy has also had replies to similar questions and I have now indicated my intentions.
Can we get the medicines?