Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 September 2010
627 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will add Crohn’s disease to the long-term illness scheme in view of the fact that Crohn’s sufferers require treatment over their lifetime; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32366/10]
Amharc ar fhreagra634 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will include Crohn’s disease as a long-term illness allowing sufferers to be entitled to a long-term illness card; if she will consider providing sufferers with specific access to the general medical service card in view of the fact that this disease needs constant monitoring and general practitioner assessment; if she will exempt them from prescriptions charges; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32423/10]
Amharc ar fhreagra636 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health and Children if she intends to review the long-term illness scheme to include mental health conditions and depression for persons aged over 16 years of age and Crohn’s disease; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32434/10]
Amharc ar fhreagra675 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will add Crohn’s disease to the long-term illness scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32809/10]
Amharc ar fhreagra765 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if Crohn’s disease will be included in the long-term illness scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33369/10]
Amharc ar fhreagra775 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will add Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis to the long term illness scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33460/10]
Amharc ar fhreagra803 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to review the long-term illness scheme; if she will include Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis on the list as they have no known cure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33882/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 627, 634, 636, 675, 765, 775 and 803 together.
There are no plans to extend the list of eligible conditions covered by the Long Term Illness Scheme. Under the Drugs Payment Scheme no individual or family pays more than €120 per calendar month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The scheme is easy to use and significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals incurring ongoing expenditure on medicines.
In addition, people who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be entitled to a medical card. In the assessment process, the Health Service Executive can take into account medical costs incurred by an individual or a family. Those who are not eligible for a medical card may still be able to avail of a GP visit card, which covers the cost of general practice consultations.
