asked the Minister for Health whether parents whose children suffer from cystic fibrosis are entitled to medical cards irrespective of their income.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cystic Fibrosis Patients.
Children suffering from cystic fibrosis are entitled to hospital inpatient and out-patient services, drugs and medicines, free of charge irrespective of the parents' means. Whether the parents are entitled to a medical card depends on their means.
(Cavan-Monaghan): Would the Minister not consider giving these children who need quite a lot at medical attention a medical card confined to the children without regard to means? There are precedents for that.
They are currently included in the long-term illness list. The Deputy's suggestion can be considered in the context of any revisions.
(Cavan-Monaghan): Will the Minister do it?
Does it cover doctors' charges and so on?
I think the Deputy is aware of what the long-term illness refund scheme covers. It does not cover the doctors.