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Long-Term Illness Scheme.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2004

Tuesday, 24 February 2004

Ceisteanna (291, 292)

Pat Carey

Ceist:

392 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has proposals to remove long-term illness cards from categories of mentally or physically disabled children who currently qualify for them; if his attention has been drawn to changes being introduced in health board areas or by bodies by which such charges have been implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5945/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Pat Carey

Ceist:

393 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children if the status of epilepsy as an illness qualifying for a long-term illness card has been or will be changed; if his attention has been drawn to changes being introduced or that have been introduced in health board areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5946/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 392 and 393 together.

Under the 1970 Health Act, a health board may arrange for the supply without charge of drugs, medicines and medical and surgical appliances to people with any of the following conditions who do not have a medical card for the treatment of that condition under the long term illness scheme: mental handicap; mental illness — for people under 16 only; phenylketonuria; cystic fibrosis; spina bifida; hydrocephalus; diabetes mellitus; diabetes insipidus; haemophilia; cerebral palsy; epilepsy; multiple sclerosis; muscular dystrophies; parkinsonism; conditions arising from thalidomide and acute leukaemia. There are no plans to amend the list of eligible conditions.

The assessment procedures for granting a long-term illness card are the responsibility of each health board. People with any of the listed illnesses may apply directly to their local board for admission to the scheme. If the Deputy is aware of specific cases where he considers that eligibility has been incorrectly withdrawn, he should forward the details directly to the chief executive officer of the relevant health board. Where the Deputy has specific complaints about the operation of the overall scheme by health boards, he should supply details directly to my Department.

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