asked the Minister for Health if he will include asthma in the category of long-term illnesses for which free drugs are available.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Free Drugs Scheme.
36.
While the list of long-term illness is under continuous review, I do not propose to include asthma. In reply to a number of questions last year I indicated that there were a number of chronic diseases which can vary greatly in severity and are not always well defined, making it impractical to include them in the list. Asthma is such a condition.
At present hospital services are available free and drugs are available free or at a maximum cost of £4 per family, per month to about 90 per cent of the population. As the Deputy is aware, it is proposed to extend these provisions to the remainder of the population.
Surely asthma is a clearly defined condition which is easily identifiable. It is a severe condition which causes a great deal of hardship to those who, unfortunately, suffer from it. In those circumstances could the Minister not see his way to include it in this list?
I fully appreciate what the Deputy says about asthma but its severity can range over various degrees. There have been many requests to have various illness included in this list but, as I indicated to the Deputy, these people will now be in a position to participate in the drug scheme and will have free access to hospitals in a public ward.
How many diseases have been added to this list since it was first introduced?
That seems to be a separate question.
The Minister said it is under continuous review.
The Minister said that out-patients suffering from asthma will have access to these drugs through the hospitals.
Pardon?
He stated in reply to a supplementary that patients suffering from asthma will have access to these drugs through the hospitals.
I said they would have free maintenance and free access to the drug scheme.
While they are in hospital only?
No, outside as well. In reply to Deputy O'Connell, I do not believe any have been added on.
I thought that.
The Deputy might have thought that but he would not say it.
The Minister is very cross today. Why is he so much on the defensive?
I am afraid of my life of you.
That is a frank admission.