asked the Minister for Health if he will consider including Parkinson's disease under the free drugs scheme.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Free Drugs Scheme.
4.
I would refer the Deputy to my replies of 14th December and 28th October last to somewhat similar questions in which I stated that I do not propose at this stage to extend the list of long-term diseases and disabilities in respect of the scheme introduced on 1st October last.
In view of the fact that there are quite a substantial number of people suffering from a crippling disease which is costing them an average of about £4 to £5 per week for drugs, does the Minister not consider that these people should be included in the scheme?
The Deputy is probably aware that there was expenditure last year totalling over £200,000 on drug assistance to the limited eligibility group, quite apart from drug assistance made available for certain specific maladies. It is hoped that we will be able to extend that drug assistance in a general way but I cannot promise that until I see what the financial position will be.
Is the Minister saying that in fact those people, even if they have not got medical cards because of the strict regulations, should be able to get those drugs, if they find it difficult to pay for them, under the existing scheme?
Under the existing scheme drug assistance is made available. I am sure I am right in saying that the total amount spent last year was £200,000. Chief executive officers and their delegated officers are empowered to give aid to people in the limited eligibility group who find that the cost of drugs is prohibitive. That is going on constantly.
I do not want to make it awkward for the Minister. I was going to suggest that if particular cases were brought to his notice he might do something about them but that could be very involved. Could the Minister suggest some way by which a person who has applied for a medical card and has been refused, and who has applied for a drug card for the purpose of getting drugs and does not appear to be going to get it, could be dealt with?
He has an appeal to the chief executive officer under the Health Act.
That is not much help, you know.
Is the Minister introducing any uniform method of assessment in regard to eligibility for medical cards? It applies in cases such as this.
I am considering that.