asked the Minister for Health the cost of including patients suffering from Lupus (LE&S) in the long term illness scheme; and if he will consider including them in that scheme.
Written Answers. - Long Term Illness Scheme.
586.
It is not possible to provide a meaningful estimate of the net additional costs which would result from the inclusion of systematic lupus erythematosus among the list of prescribed illnesses which are currently covered by the long term illness scheme. This particular condition is one of a number of illnesses which have been the subject of representations over the years.
The question of extending the scheme to encompass these conditions has been the subject of ongoing review by successive Ministers for Health. It has not been found possible to contemplate any extension of the scheme at the present time, I am quite satisfied however that the present arrangements for the issue of medical cards, and the availability of the benefit of the refund of cost of drugs scheme are such as to ensure that no hardship should arise.