Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 January 2005
214 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3, who until recently could obtain insulin and syringes by means of a green book now has to obtain a prescription from the doctor and pharmacy to secure the syringes; and the motive behind giving insulin on the green book but not the instruments with which to administer it. [1090/05]
View answerThe Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services.
Under the 1970 Health Act, the relevant area of the Health Service Executive 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 through the long term illness 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. Parkinsonism, acute leukaemia, muscular dystrophies and multiple sclerosis were added to the scheme in 1975. The long-term illness scheme does not cover GP fees or hospital co-payments.
My Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's eastern regional area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
