Dick Spring
Ceist:122 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Health if it is his intention to add Alzheimer's disease to the list of long-term illnesses under the Health Act, 1970.
Written Answers. - Drug Cost Subsidisation Scheme.
Given the proposed introduction of the new drug cost subsidisation scheme, of which the Deputy will be aware, it is not my intention to extend the long term illness scheme to include any further illnesses. Negotiations with the Irish Pharmaceutical Union on the terms of their involvement in the proposed scheme have been more protracted than had initially been anticipated. I can assure the Deputy that there will be no delay on my part in bringing the new scheme into operation.