Pat Carey
Ceist:369 Mr. P. Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will consider a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11 for a long-term illness card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7952/01]
Written Answers. - Long-Term Illness Scheme.
The long-term illness scheme entitles persons to free drugs and medicines which are prescribed in respect of a specific schedule of illnesses. The illnesses covered by this scheme are: mental handicap, mental illness, for persons under 16 years only, phenylketonuria, cystic fibrosis, spina bifida, hydrocephalus, diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, haemophilia, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophies, parkinsonism and acute leukaemia.
The granting of a medical card to individuals is solely a matter, under the Health Act, 1970, for the chief executive officer. Accordingly, I have referred the matter to the chief executive officer of the Eastern Regional Health Authority for direct reply to the Deputy.