Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 14 Nov 1995

Vol. 458 No. 2

Written Answers. - Post-Polio Syndrome.

Frances Fitzgerald

Question:

83 Ms F. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Health if the post-polio syndrome is recognised by his Department as a long-term illness; and if he will make medical cards available to those suffering from this illness. [16711/95]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): I presume the Deputy is referring to the inclusion of post-polio syndrome as an illness covered by the long-term illness scheme. The long-term illness scheme entitles persons who suffer from certain specified illness to free drugs and medicines which are prescribed in respect of the particular illnesses. The scheme has not been extended since 1975 and there are no plans to expand the number of illnesses covered by the scheme.

The long-term illness scheme is only one of a number of schemes in operation which provide assistance towards the cost of prescribed drugs and medicines for persons with ongoing medical conditions.

Health services, including prescribed drugs and medicines, are available free of charge to persons covered by medical cards. The determination of eligibility for medical cards is a matter for the chief executive officer of the relevant health board. Income guidelines are available to assist chief executive officers in determining a person's eligibility. While a person's income may exceed the guidelines, that person may still be awarded a medical card if the chief executive officer considers that the person's medical needs or other circumstances would justify this. For example, where an individual or a family is subjected to a significant level of ongoing expenditure on medical expenses, such as general practitioner fees or prescribed drugs, due to a long-term medical condition, these expenses may be taken into account in determining eligibility for a medical card.

The drug cost subsidisation scheme caters for people who do not have a medical card or long-term illness book and are certified as having a medical condition with a regular and ongoing requirement for prescribed drugs and medicines. Persons who qualify for inclusion in this scheme will not have to spend more than £32 in any month on prescribed medication.

Under the drugs refund scheme which covers expenditure by the whole family, any expenditure on prescribed medication above £90 in a calendar quarter is refunded by the health board.

I am satisfied that appropriate and comprehensive support is being provided by the State through the existing range of schemes for people with long-term medical conditions.