Long-Term Illness Scheme.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 June 2004

Tuesday, 1 June 2004

Questions (242)

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

261 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Cork who suffers from cystic fibrosis is entitled to receive a long-term illness scheme card. [16402/04]

Written answers

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

Under the Health Act 1970, a health board may arrange for the supply, without charge, of drugs, medicines and medical and surgical appliances to people with a specified condition, for the treatment of that condition under the long-term illness, or LTI, scheme. The conditions are: mental handicap, mental illness — for people under 16 only, phenylketonuria, cystic fibrosis, spina bifida, hydrocephalus, diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, haemophilia, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophies, parkinsonism, conditions arising from thalidomide and acute leukaemia.

The Deputy will be pleased to note that cystic fibrosis is an eligible condition for the LTI scheme. A person with an eligible condition should contact their local health board to register under the scheme.