Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 September 2008
160 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children if consideration has been completed on extending the recognised illnesses and conditions covered by the long-term illness scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32173/08]
View answerUnder the 1970 Health Act, 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 (LTI). The LTI does not cover GP fees or hospital co-payments. 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. Products which are necessary for the management of the specified illness are available to LTI patients. Other products are available according to the patient's eligibility. There are currently no plans to extend the list of eligible conditions.
