asked the Minister for Health if he will reconsider his decision to refuse free drugs and medicines for long term asthma sufferers, in accordance with the wishes of the Asthma Society of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Drugs Refund Scheme.
297.
I am not prepared to include asthma in the long term illness scheme. The cost of so doing would be at least £10 million and such additional expenditure cannot be contemplated at present. At least 40 per cent of asthma patients are covered by medical cards and those who are not so covered can avail themselves of the refund scheme, limiting monthly expenditure to £28, a limit which has not changed since January 1984. Health boards are willing to take full account of the costs attributable to asthma, and other special conditions, when assessing applications for a medical card and will also make such arrangements as may be necessary where normal operation of the refund scheme would result in hardship. I am satisfied that, in the circumstances, the service available to asthma sufferers is adequate.