Vol. 521 No. 2
123 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will introduce a national policy for the care and support of patients with diabetes which would introduce proper support for the cost of the diet, ongoing monitoring and advice in relation to complications and a charter which spell out the supports and strategies living with diabetes which the State supports. [16890/00]
Under the terms of the long-term illness scheme persons with diabetes mellitus are entitled to prescribed, approved medication for the treatment of their illness free of charge. If a person is in receipt of a payment from the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs or a health board payment and their income is too low to meet special dietary needs, they may be entitled to a weekly allowance for dietary needs under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme operated by the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs.
I am currently awaiting the report of the task force which was established in response to the St. Vincent Declaration to examine a range of issues relating to diabetes mellitus in Ireland. The report's recommendations will form the basis for an overall policy on this important public health issue.
