asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the heavy financial burden on those afflicted with chronic central nervous diseases such as multiple sclerosis and kindred ailments; and if he will consider some form of financial subvention from the State to those who do not qualify for specific medical benefits of the existent health services in respect of these diseases.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Specific Medical Benefits.
45.
As the Deputy is aware, persons with full eligibility and those with limited eligibility are entitled to free in-patient and out-patient hospital treatment for all conditions. Most persons fall within these categories.
As regards drugs, medicines and appliances for those needing treatment outside hospital, persons with full eligibility are entitled to their requirements free of charge while persons in the limited eligibility category are entitled to partial assistance where the cost exceeds £3 in a calendar month. In addition, under section 46 (8) of the Health Act, 1970, the chief executive officer of a health board can, on hardship grounds, deem any person whose income brings him outside these categories to be a person with limited eligibility for the aforementioned services.
A disabled person's maintenance allowance is payable in cases of need to chronically disabled persons over 16 who are not living in institutions.
In the circumstances, I am satisfied that under existing arrangements the expenses of chronic conditions such as those to which the Deputy refers are adequately provided for.
Would the Minister not consider bringing disseminated sclerosis and multiple sclerosis within the ambit of the present scheme? Infantile paralysis is covered. Why not cover the other two?
The scheme commenced in October last and we included in it at that time a certain number of disabilities. From time to time we will be considering whether we can add certain other disabilities. I cannot make any promise.
Will the Minister include muscular dystrophy? Sufferers from this disease require surgical appliances and this condition was overlooked by the Department. There are a number of sufferers from this disease and I think it should be included.
I will look into that particular case. It does seem a little more urgent than the other.
There are many afflicted by this disease. The Minister says he will look into the matter. Is there any hope that things will be done quickly?
I will do my best. As the Deputy knows, the difference between cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy in some cases is shady. We will have to look into that. I accept that the situation should be examined as sympathetically as possible.