Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 April 2018
699. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Health when chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD, will be made a long-term disease in order that persons with same will be entitled to access the long-term illness book; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15151/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
