Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 21 Nov 2001

Vol. 544 No. 4

Written Answers. - Long-Term Illness Scheme.

Billy Timmins

Question:

207 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person on a disability benefit is required to pay the standard monthly drugs bill of £42.00 for a long-term illness; if there is a scheme under which this can be waived; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29317/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin):

Persons suffering from any of the following conditions, who are not already medical card holders, may obtain without charge drugs and medicines for the treatment of that condition under the long-term illness scheme: mental handicap, mental illness – for persons under 16 years only, phenylketonuria, cystic fibrosis, spina bifida, hydrocephalus, diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, haemophilia, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophies, Parkinsonism and acute leukaemia.

Persons with any of the above illnesses may apply to their local health board for admission to the long-term illness scheme. If eligible, they are issued with a long-term illness book. This lists the drugs and medicines for the treatment of their condition that will be provided to them free of charge through their community pharmacist.

People who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be entitled to a medical card. Eligibility for a medical card is solely a matter for the chief executive officer of the relevant health board to decide. In determining eligibility, the chief executive officer has regard to the applicant's financial circumstances. Health boards use income guidelines to assist in determining eligibility. However, where a person's income exceeds the guidelines, a medical card may be awarded if the chief executive officer considers that the person's medical needs or other circumstances would justify this. Medical cards may also be issued to individual family members on this basis.

Non-medical card holders and people with conditions not covered under the long-term illness scheme, can use the drugs payment scheme. Under this scheme, no individual or family unit pays more than £42 or 53.33 per calendar month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. Whether or not a person is in receipt of disability benefit is not in itself relevant to whether that person is eligible for either a medical card or for admission to the long-term illness scheme. Policy in relation to eligibility for health services will be outlined in the forthcoming health strategy.