Long-Term Illness Scheme Coverage

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 June 2017

Tuesday, 20 June 2017

Ceisteanna (1008, 1025, 1098, 1281)

John Brassil

Ceist:

1008. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health his plans to add congenital neutropenia to the long-term illness list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26526/17]

John Brassil

Ceist:

1025. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health his plans to add motor neuron disease to the long-term illness list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26585/17]

Bríd Smith

Ceist:

1098. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health the reason motor neuron disease is not covered under the long-term illness scheme; and if he will review this matter with the intention of adding motor neuron disease to the scheme [26862/17]

Noel Rock

Ceist:

1281. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Health his plans to make the long-term illness scheme available to persons who suffer from pulmonary fibrosis; and if persons that suffer from this condition could obtain medical cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27751/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1008, 1025, 1098 and 1281 together.

The LTI Scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). The conditions covered by the LTI 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 Scheme.