Long-Term Illness Scheme Coverage

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 June 2014

Wednesday, 25 June 2014

Questions (19)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

19. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health if he will clarify the term mental handicap as a listed medical condition under the long-term illness scheme; the specific illnesses this term encapsulates; his plans to revise this outdated terminology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27045/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The Long Term Illness (LTI) Scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act, 1970 (as amended). Regulations were made in 1971, 1973 and 1975 specifying the conditions covered by the LTI Scheme. The conditions covered by the LTI Scheme are as follows: Acute Leukaemia; Mental handicap; Cerebral Palsy; Mental Illness (in a person under 16); Cystic Fibrosis; Multiple Sclerosis; Diabetes Insipidus; Muscular Dystrophies; Diabetes Mellitus; Parkinsonism; Epilepsy; Phenylketonuria; Haemophilia; Spina Bifida; Hydrocephalus; and conditions arising from the use of Thalidomide. There are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the LTI Scheme.

The term mental handicap, as used in the Regulations, encapsulates such conditions as Down's Syndrome and Global Development Delay etc. The Consultant or GP who signs the patient's application for a LTI book outlines which condition is relevant for the patient. My Department is currently reviewing the operation of the LTI Scheme. It is expected that this review will be completed later this year. However, there are no plans to review the Scheme along the lines of the work of the expert panel established by the Health Service Executive to review eligibility for medical cards.