asked the Minister for Health if he has any plans to extend the long term illness scheme to include the medication necessary for the treatment of Crohn's disease and colitis; and if he will outline the costs involved in such a decision.
Written Answers. - Long Term Illness Scheme.
53.
As I announced recently in the Dáil, arrangements for the introduction of a new drug subsidisation scheme are under active consideration. The proposed scheme will operate at retail pharmacy level and will be intended to cater specifically for persons who have an ongoing and continuous requirement for prescription medication due to a long term condition. Under the scheme proposed, patients would not have to spend more than £28 in any month. It is envisaged that before a patient will qualify for inclusion in the proposed scheme, the health board will require medical certification of the fact that the patient will require ongoing and continuous medication for the treatment of a long term condition.
Given the proposed introduction of this new scheme it is not my intention to extend the long term illness scheme to include any further illnesses.