Vol. 459 No. 8
76 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Health the number of haemophiliac children in the country; the number who are not covered by a medical card; the approximate annual cost of granting this facility to the children involved; and if he will consider making such a provision for 1996 for a child (details supplied) in Dublin 11 who has been refused on the grounds of his parents' income level. [19082/95]
, Limerick East): I understand that there are 114 children diagnosed with haemophilia registered for treatment with the national haemophilia treatment centre at the National Children's Hospital at Harcourt Street. A further 20 children are believed to be under investigation where diagnosis has not been confirmed. There are no details available as to the number of these children who are covered by medical cards. The approximate annual average cost of a child under 16 to the general medical services Scheme is £96.50.
Haemophilia is one of the conditions covered by the long-term illness scheme which entitles those eligible to free drugs and medicines in respect of the particular condition. I understand from the Eastern Health Board that the child concerned has been availing of the long-term illness scheme since 1993.
