asked the Minister for Health if he will consider the automatic provision of medical cards to those who suffer from cystic fibrosis.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cystic Fibrosis.
17.
Medical cards are issued to persons with full eligibility for health services, that is, persons who are unable to afford general practitioner services for themselves and their dependants. An adult person who, because he or any of his dependants suffers from cystic fibrosis, is unable to provide general practitioner services for himself or his dependants is eligible for a medical card. Further, a person who does not satisfy the standard criteria of eligibility for a medical card may still be eligible for free treatment for a specific condition in himself or in any of his dependants if the chief executive officer of the health board considers that the cost of such treatment would represent undue hardship.
Cystic fibrosis is one of the long-term diseases for which children may get free hospital services. In addition, all persons suffering from that disease may obtain free of charge the drugs and medicines necessary for its treatment.
I consider in the circumstances that there is adequate provision to ensure that persons suffering from cystic fibrosis are enabled to secure the treatment they require without financial hardship.
In view of the constant medical attention that has to be given to such children and the constant drain on the parents for physiotherapy would the Minister agree to granting medical cards automatically to those concerned?
I have outlined the position and the services which unfortunate sufferers of cystic fibrosis have available to them. It is my view that the situation is reasonably taken care of but if the Deputy is aware of any cases which do not come within the outline I have given I would be prepared to consider the situation.