Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 November 2015
158. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) in County Offaly has been refused a medical card; if he will include spinal injuries under the long-term illness scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42118/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Long Term Illness (LTI) Scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act, 1970 (as amended). Regulations were made in 1971, 1973 and 1975 specifying the conditions covered by the LTI Scheme. The conditions covered by the LTI Scheme are as follows: Acute Leukaemia; Mental handicap; Cerebral Palsy; Mental Illness (in a person under 16); Cystic Fibrosis; Multiple Sclerosis; Diabetes Insipidus; Muscular Dystrophies; Diabetes Mellitus; Parkinsonism; Epilepsy; Phenylketonuria; Haemophilia; Spina Bifida; Hydrocephalus; and conditions arising from the use of Thalidomide. There are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the LTI Scheme.
As the first part of the Deputy's question relates to an individual case, I have arranged for this to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy. If she has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
