Vol. 456 No. 5
62 Miss M. Wallace asked the Minister for Health the changes, if any, he intends introducing to the long term illness card scheme; and the nature and extent of any meetings held by him or officials from his Department with individuals or groups on desirable changes to the scheme. [14210/95]
Limerick East): The long term illness scheme and indeed other drug schemes are regularly evaluated by health boards with a view to improving the administrative arrangements necessary to ensure the most effective operation of these schemes.
Representations are received from various groups from time to time to expand the range of illnesses covered by the long term illness scheme. For example, the Department has recently met with representatives of the spinal injuries action association to discuss the requirements of its members. These discussions centred on the supply of certain appliances and the Department is consulting with the health boards with a view to resolving the issues raised.
The long term illness scheme has not been extended since 1975 and there are no plans at present to expand the list of illnesses covered by this scheme. However, the long term illness scheme is but one of a number of schemes in place which provide assistance to people who incur expenditure on prescribed drugs and medicines i.e. medical card scheme, drugs refund scheme and the drugs cost subsidisation scheme. I am satisfied that the existing long term illness scheme together with the services available under other schemes provides appropriate and comprehensive support to all patients with medical expenses.
