Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 October 2016
427. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Health if he is considering adding Alzheimer's disease to the long-term illness scheme; if he will consider liaising with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to investigate the institution of a scheme for free of charge or subsidised public transport for those on the long-term illness scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29584/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Long Term Illness (LTI) Scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). The conditions covered by the scheme are: 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. Under the LTI Scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge.
There are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the LTI Scheme or to provide free or subsidised public transport for those on the scheme.
