James McDaid
Question:76 Dr. McDaid asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the situation whereby people, on the basis of medical conditions such as diabetes, are discriminated against. [4539/97]
Written Answers. - Diabetes Sufferers.
Limerick East): I do not accept that people with medical conditions such as diabetes are subject to any form of discrimination in relation to the provision of health services. As the Deputy will be aware, there are a range of schemes in place to assist people with medical expenses arising from such conditions. In fact diabetes is one of the specified illnesses which qualifies people for admission to the long-term illness schemes under which drugs and medicines for the treatment of their condition are provided to them free of charge through their community pharmacist.
I have no evidence to suggest that people with medical conditions such as diabetes are discriminated against, but if the Deputy has any evidence in this regard I will be happy to pass it on to my colleague, the Minister for Equality and Law Reform.