asked the Minister for Health whether he will include asthma in the list of long-term diseases and disabilities under the Health Act, 1970.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Diseases and Disabilities List.
4.
I do not propose at this stage to extend the list of long-term diseases and disabilities in respect of the schemes which I introduced on 1st October. It is my intention, however, to keep the scheme under constant review and I will consider from time to time whether other diseases, such as asthma, might be included.
The Deputy will of course be aware that persons with full eligibility obtain all their medical requirements free of charge and that persons outside of this group can be assisted in meeting the cost of their medicines by health boards where there is undue hardship.
Is the Minister aware that asthma is in many cases a long-term illness requiring constant medication of a fairly expensive kind and would he not give consideration to including it under the scheme as soon as possible?
I have already indicated to the Deputy that I do not propose to do that.