asked the Minister for Health if he will state county by county the number of registered asthma sufferers; if his Department have any plans to consider some financial relief for this category, particularly during the winter period when the cost of medication is very high; if his Department have any plans to consider even on a limited basis coverage under the medical card scheme for this illness; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Asthma Figures.
387.
Since there is no register of asthma cases it is not possible to give details on the numbers in each county.
Since the major problem for asthmatics is a high pollen level the costs are not likely to increase in winter; for many patients the costs will fall.
Under the Health Acts eligibility for a medical card is based on the means of the applicant. While account will be taken of the applicant's health needs the fact that a patient suffers from any particular illness would not of itself entitle him to a medical card.