asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that Huntingtons Disease is included on health board leaflets and pamphlets and that all benefits which apply to other diseases will be made available to the people suffering from this disease.
Written Answers. - Huntingtons Disease.
658.
Persons suffering from Huntingtons Disease who are covered by a medical card obtain their necessary medication free of charge under the General Medical Service. All other patients are eligible for the refund of that part of the cost of necessary medication in excess of IR£28 for a month's supply. The question of including this condition with others in respect of which similar conditions arise in the list of illnesses covered by the long term illness scheme has already been noted for consideration.
659.
asked the Minister for Health if he will insure the availability of beds in local and district hospitals for patients in the latter stages of Huntingtons Disease.
The policy of my Department is that persons suffering from any disease, including Huntingtons Disease, should receive treatment in the setting most appropriate to their condition. There are several factors involved in the selection of the most suitable type of treatment and hospital in each case, including the clinical judgment of the doctors concerned. It would not be appropriate for me to specify the type of setting in which any particular patient who is suffering from Huntingtons Disease should be treated.