Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 November 2019
130. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 383 of 13 February 2018, his plans to include the purchase of EpiPens under the long-term illness scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49180/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Long Term Illness 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 include adrenaline auto-injectors under the LTI Scheme as they are not indicated for the treatment of one of the above conditions.
I wish to advise the Deputy that there are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the LTI Scheme at this time. However, I wish to inform the Deputy that it is proposed that the LTI Scheme would be included as part of a review of the basis for existing hospital and medication charges, to be carried out under commitments given in the Sláintecare Implementation Strategy.
