Thomas Gould
Question:421. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health if there is a process for the continuum of care for persons with epilepsy who move into this jurisdiction from the UK. [19133/22]
View answerThursday, 7 April 2022
Questions (421)
Written answers
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, prescribing 16 illnesses covered by the scheme.
These conditions 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.
As epilepsy is one of the conditions listed, people with epilepsy who move from the UK into Ireland, may be eligible for the LTI scheme. To qualify, a person must be 'ordinarily resident’ in the Republic of Ireland. This means that they are living here and intend to live here for at least one year.
Information on how to apply for the LTI scheme can be found at: www2.hse.ie/services/long-term-illness-scheme/apply-for-a-long-term-illness-scheme-card.html.
Applicants for the LTI scheme also require a Personal Public Service (PPS). A person can apply for a PPS number online at: services.mywelfare.ie/en/topics/identity-services/personal-public-service-pps-number/.