asked the Minister for Health if he will include Hodgkin's disease on the health board leaflet and pamphlets and make available to persons suffering from this disease all benefits available to ensure that such persons would be entitled to grants for disabled people.
Written Answers. - Long Term Illness Scheme.
551.
I presume that the first part of the Deputy's question relates to the inclusion of Hodgkin's disease in the long term illness scheme. It is not intended to include this disease in the scheme at this time.
The refund of cost of drugs scheme provides a significant level of support for those who suffer from conditions such as Hodgkin's disease and who do not qualify for a medical card. Under the scheme all expenditure in excess of £28 per month on drugs prescribed for use in a calendar month is refunded by health boards. Persons who suffer from Hodgkin's disease and who have medical cards obtain their drugs free of charge under the GMS scheme.
With regard to payment of the disabled persons maintenance allowance to persons suffering from Hodgkin's disease, payment of this allowance is made to persons who in the opinion of a medical officer are substantially handicapped in undertaking work of a kind which, if they were not suffering from a disability, would be suited to their age, experience and qualifications. It is the degree of handicap rather than nature of the disease that determines whether a person qualifies for a disabled person's maintenance allowance. The allowance is subject to a means test.