James Lawless
Question:241. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health if he will expand the long term illness scheme to include mental illness beyond 16 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44325/18]
View answerDáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 October 2018
241. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health if he will expand the long term illness scheme to include mental illness beyond 16 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44325/18]
View answerThe Long Term Illness (LTI) Scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). The conditions covered by the LTI are: 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. Under the LTI Scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge.
There are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the Scheme.