Long-Term Illness Scheme Coverage

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2013

Tuesday, 16 April 2013

Ceisteanna (1143)

Eamonn Maloney

Ceist:

1143. Deputy Eamonn Maloney asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm that the age restriction of 16 years old for cover for mental illness on the long-term illness card is legally valid, in view of the legal difficulties that arose under equality legislation with age limits on the mobility allowance. [16203/13]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Alex White)

Regulations were made in 1971, 1973 and 1975 specifying the conditions covered by the Long Term Illness Scheme. The Health Services (Amendment) Regulations, 1971 (S.I. No. 277/1971) specified that Mental Illness in a person under 16 should be covered under the scheme.