asked the Minister for Health if he will consider the inclusion of patients who have had colostomy and ileostomy operations among the list of persons entitled to receive free medical and surgical treatment and appliances.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Long-Term Illnesses.
6.
I have recently extended the prescribed list of long-term diseases and disabilities in respect of which drugs, medicines and appliances are provided free of charge. While this scheme will continue to be reviewed from time to time, I do not propose to extend it further in the immediate future.
I am sure the Minister has great sympathy for these patients. I hope he realises that the appliances that those patients use cost them a considerable amount of money. I should be most grateful if he would consider them in the list, as prescribed for allowance in respect of their appliances.
As I informed the Deputy, I did extend a long list by about four within the last three or four months. I have the utmost sympathy with these people but it goes beyond my sympathy because last year I allocated a grant of £5,000 to the Ileostomy Association of Ireland which of course, will be continued. As far as out-patient and in-patient services are concerned, those in the lower and middle income groups will have these facilities free. As far as appliances are concerned, again the maximum cost per calendar month need not exceed £4. I appreciate that there are other expenses in respect of things that would not be regarded as medicines and appliances. But, with others, I shall certainly be considering the extension of aid in respect of long-term illnesses. There have been very many requests to have certain illnesses included. I will try, as far as I can, to have them extended to deserving people who find it very difficult to pay for special treatment, particularly in the case of long and chronic illnesses.
Might I ask the Minister two very brief questions? Is the Minister aware of the continued representations I have made in particular with respect to the unusual, painful and unpleasant disease of ileostomy? Secondly is he aware of the dedicated voluntary work done by a small group of people, in particular a doctor in regard to these two questions and will the Minister treat Deputy McEllistrim's question as a matter of extreme urgency?
I am concerned with every aspect of health. I am mindful of the representations made to me by Deputy Thornley. I do appreciate there is much voluntary work done in this respect. I might say I have had private approaches from other Deputies in the House as well who are very concerned about this particular ailment. I am aware that in the Central Remedial Clinic there are lessons given to ensure that the maximum benefit is derived from the appliances which these people need.