Long-Term Illness Scheme Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 October 2016

Tuesday, 25 October 2016

Ceisteanna (409)

Noel Rock

Ceist:

409. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Health his plans to remove the age limit for mental illness under the long-term illness scheme (details supplied). [31577/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

The 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 amend the Long Term Illness Scheme.