Written Answers Nos. 1712-1731
1712. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the number of registration applications to CORU by persons with a degree from outside the State who were and have been waiting longer than 1, 2, 3 and 4 months, and so on, in 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022, respectively, in tabular form. [42771/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraCORU is Ireland's multi-profession health regulator for regulating health and social care professionals. CORU’s role is to protect the public by regulating the health and social care professions designated under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 (as amended), including setting the standards that health and social care professionals must meet to be eligible for registration and maintaining registers of persons who meet those standards There are two forms of application to CORU: applications for the recognition of qualifications received outside the State and applications for registration.
Professional qualifications awarded outside the State are assessed through a process of “recognition” which involves expert assessment of a qualification’s alignment with the standards of proficiency required in Ireland, and assessment of professional experience and lifelong learning where required. Where a health and social care professional qualifies outside the State and applies to register in Ireland, they must apply for the recognition of their qualification. EU/EEA applicants have the right to have their qualifications assessed in accordance with the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 and Directive 2005/36/EC on the Recognition of Professional Qualifications and the European Union (Recognition of Professional Qualifications) Regulations 2017 (SI No 8 of 2017). Once a complete file has been submitted to CORU, i.e., one containing all the required documentation, a decision must issue within four months.
CORU has provided the following table with the average processing time for recognition applications, from the submission of a complete application:
|
Days File complete to Decision |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 to August |
|
<31 |
17 |
11 |
9 |
|
31-60 |
164 |
101 |
112 |
|
61-90 |
282 |
223 |
280 |
|
91-120 |
175 |
260 |
198 |
|
>120 |
22 |
36 |
6 |
|
Total |
660 |
631 |
605 |
CORU undertake an assessment of each applicant’s primary qualification, considering any additional qualifications, the candidate’s eligibility to practice and professional profile in their home state. This assessment undertaken by a team of assessors leads to a recommendation to the Registration Board.
It is not possible to differentiate registration applications to CORU on the basis of country of qualification. However, CORU has provided the following table with the average processing time for all registration applications:
|
2020 |
2021 |
2022, to date |
|
9.2 weeks |
8.8 weeks |
9.6 weeks |
I met with the Chairperson and CEO of CORU last year and raised the issue of timeframes for the recognition of qualifications and registration applications. Following our discussion, several measures have been initiated by CORU aimed at further reducing timeframes.
Until last year applicants were required to complete the recognition process before initiating the registration process unless they had confirmed job offers. All applicants are now invited to initiate an application for registration as soon as they have submitted a complete application file to the recognition department. This will have the effect of reducing the period of time required to both complete the recognition and registration process.
This is part of a suite of innovations that have been initiated following my discussions with CORU. Further steps underway include:
- Full transfer to an online application system
- Increased frequency of regulatory decision-making (Registration Board meetings)
- Assignment of additional temporary staff resources
- Recruitment of additional expert assessors in ‘under pressure’ professions
- Development of a Voice over IP (VoIP) solution to improve communications with applicants
My Department will continue to support CORU in achieving its strategic vision and improving timeframes for all applicants in the future.
1713. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the expected timelines for the completion of the review of services at Navan hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42774/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOur Lady’s Hospital Navan is one of nine designated Model 2 Hospitals under the Smaller Hospitals’ Framework which was approved by Government in 2013. Navan is the last of those hospitals identified for reconfiguration to Model 2.
As the Deputy will be aware, the HSE has proposed a process of planned service changes at Navan and has advised that these changes are necessary to support safe service delivery on a sustained basis, and are driven first and foremost by patient safety considerations and very real clinical concerns.
While recognising the very real clinical concerns identified, the Government is clear that several important issues, including additional capacity in other hospitals impacted and the continued ability of people in the Navan area to access emergency and urgent care, would need to be fully addressed before any proposed transition by the HSE.
For this reason, I have asked the HSE to undertake a review of capacity. This review is currently underway and the HSE has advised that it expects it to be completed shortly.
1714. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if an appointment will be expedited for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42775/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1715. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if a referral will be expedited for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42776/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1716. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health when a HSE worker (details supplied) will receive the €1,000 Covid bonus payment. [42778/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.
While the Department cannot comment on individual cases, I can advise that on January 19th, the Government announced a COVID-19 pandemic recognition payment for frontline public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. Following extensive engagement with healthcare unions on the matter, on 19th April the HSE published eligibility guidelines and FAQs, as apply to the HSE and Section 38 agencies, which are available on its website: www.hse.ie/eng/staff/resources/hr-circulars/hr-circular-012-2022-pandemic-special-recognition-payment.html. Payment is currently receiving priority across all Hospital Groups and Community Services in the HSE. All eligible workers are being paid in accordance with the overarching eligibility criteria in place.
While some HSE/Section 38 employees may not have received payment yet, this may be due to a number of factors, including ineligibility, delays or non-submission of the declaration form from those who are required to submit one, or other possible local operational matters affecting payroll. Officials across HSE services are giving this matter priority attention to ensure that all eligible staff who have yet to receive the payment will do so very shortly.
I would like to remind the Deputy that it is against Department policy to comment on individual cases.
1717. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if the E111, now known as the EHIC, covers UK citizens for out-of-hours doctor appointments while in Ireland (details supplied). [42785/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) between the EU and the UK provides for a continuation of healthcare rights when on a temporary stay in a State covered by the Agreement. Residents of the UK can continue to use their UK EHIC or GHIC to access necessary care while on a temporary stay in an EU Member State, including Ireland. This necessary treatment includes GP treatment if it is deemed medically necessary by a medical practitioner.
GPs are private contractors, most of whom hold a GMS contract with the HSE for the provision of medical services without charge to patients who hold a medical card or GP visit card. GPs contracted under the GMS scheme are required by their contract to make suitable arrangements to enable contact to be made with them, or a locum or deputy, for emergencies outside of normal practice hours; most meet this obligation through participation with GP out of hours co-operatives. Similarly, EHIC card holders visiting Ireland can access necessary care free of charge with GPs contracted under the GMS scheme, including out-of-hour GP consultations.
Regarding this specific case raised by the deputy, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1718. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health the status of the pandemic €1,000 bonus for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42794/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.
On January 19th, the Government announced a COVID-19 pandemic recognition payment for frontline public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. Following extensive engagement with healthcare unions on the matter, on 19th April the HSE published eligibility guidelines and FAQs, as apply to the HSE and Section 38 agencies, which are available on its website: www.hse.ie/eng/staff/resources/hr-circulars/hr-circular-012-2022-pandemic-special-recognition-payment.html. Payment is currently receiving priority across all Hospital Groups and Community Services in the HSE.
The HSE and the Department have been examining progressing the rollout to the list of 6 non-HSE/non-Section 38 organisation types covered by the Government Decision. This measure will be ring fenced to staff working ordinarily onsite in COVID-19 exposed healthcare environments. This shall cover eligible staff in:
1. Private Sector Nursing Homes and Hospices (e.g. Private, Voluntary, Section 39 etc.);
2. Eligible staff working on-site in Section 39 long-term residential care facilities for people with disabilities;
3. Agency roles working in the HSE;
4. Health Care Support Assistants (also known as home help / home care / home support) contracted to the HSE;
5. Members of the Defence Forces redeployed to work in frontline Covid-19 exposed environments in the HSE;
6. Paramedics employed by Dublin Fire Brigade to deliver services on behalf of the HSE.
The above 6 areas only are covered by this Government Decision and all eligible workers will be paid in accordance with the overarching eligibility criteria in place.
Information will be published shortly for those certain non-HSE/non-Section 38 healthcare employees that are covered by the Government Decision and the process available to their employers to implement this measure for their eligible staff.
1719. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health when front-line agency workers, such as a person (details supplied), will receive the long-overdue pandemic bonus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42795/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.
On January 19th, the Government announced a COVID-19 pandemic recognition payment for frontline public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. Following extensive engagement with healthcare unions on the matter, on 19th April the HSE published eligibility guidelines and FAQs, as apply to the HSE and Section 38 agencies, which are available on its website: www.hse.ie/eng/staff/resources/hr-circulars/hr-circular-012-2022-pandemic-special-recognition-payment.html. Payment is currently receiving priority across all Hospital Groups and Community Services in the HSE.
The HSE and the Department have been examining progressing the rollout to the list of 6 non-HSE/non-Section 38 organisation types covered by the Government Decision. This measure will be ring fenced to staff working ordinarily onsite in COVID-19 exposed healthcare environments. This shall cover eligible staff in:
1. Private Sector Nursing Homes and Hospices (e.g. Private, Voluntary, Section 39 etc.);
2. Eligible staff working on-site in Section 39 long-term residential care facilities for people with disabilities;
3. Agency roles working in the HSE;
4. Health Care Support Assistants (also known as home help / home care / home support) contracted to the HSE;
5. Members of the Defence Forces redeployed to work in frontline Covid-19 exposed environments in the HSE;
6. Paramedics employed by Dublin Fire Brigade to deliver services on behalf of the HSE.
Information will be published shortly for those certain non-HSE/non-Section 38 healthcare employees that are covered by the Government Decision and the process available to their employers to implement this measure for their eligible staff.
1720. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health when the Covid-19 recognition payment will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [42801/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.
On January 19th, the Government announced a COVID-19 pandemic recognition payment for frontline public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. Following extensive engagement with healthcare unions on the matter, on 19th April the HSE published eligibility guidelines and FAQs, as apply to the HSE and Section 38 agencies, which are available on its website: www.hse.ie/eng/staff/resources/hr-circulars/hr-circular-012-2022-pandemic-special-recognition-payment.html. Payment is currently receiving priority across all Hospital Groups and Community Services in the HSE.
The HSE and the Department have been examining progressing the rollout to the list of 6 non-HSE/non-Section 38 organisation types covered by the Government Decision. This measure will be ring fenced to staff working ordinarily onsite in COVID-19 exposed healthcare environments. This shall cover eligible staff in:
1. Private Sector Nursing Homes and Hospices (e.g. Private, Voluntary, Section 39 etc.);
2. Eligible staff working on-site in Section 39 long-term residential care facilities for people with disabilities;
3. Agency roles working in the HSE;
4. Health Care Support Assistants (also known as home help / home care / home support) contracted to the HSE;
5. Members of the Defence Forces redeployed to work in frontline Covid-19 exposed environments in the HSE;
6. Paramedics employed by Dublin Fire Brigade to deliver services on behalf of the HSE.
Information will be published shortly for those certain non-HSE/non-Section 38 healthcare employees that are covered by the Government Decision and the process available to their employers to implement this measure for their eligible staff.
1721. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive their pandemic special recognition payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42803/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.
While the Department cannot comment on individual cases, I can advise that on January 19th, the Government announced a COVID-19 pandemic recognition payment for frontline public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. Following extensive engagement with healthcare unions on the matter, on 19th April the HSE published eligibility guidelines and FAQs, as apply to the HSE and Section 38 agencies, which are available on its website: www.hse.ie/eng/staff/resources/hr-circulars/hr-circular-012-2022-pandemic-special-recognition-payment.html. Payment is currently receiving priority across all Hospital Groups and Community Services in the HSE.
The HSE and the Department have been examining progressing the rollout to the list of 6 non-HSE/non-Section 38 organisation types covered by the Government Decision. This measure will be ring fenced to staff working ordinarily onsite in COVID-19 exposed healthcare environments. This shall cover eligible staff in:
1. Private Sector Nursing Homes and Hospices (e.g. Private, Voluntary, Section 39 etc.);
2. Eligible staff working on-site in Section 39 long-term residential care facilities for people with disabilities;
3. Agency roles working in the HSE;
4. Health Care Support Assistants (also known as home help / home care / home support) contracted to the HSE;
5. Members of the Defence Forces redeployed to work in frontline Covid-19 exposed environments in the HSE;
6. Paramedics employed by Dublin Fire Brigade to deliver services on behalf of the HSE.
The above 6 areas only are covered by this Government Decision and all eligible workers will be paid in accordance with the overarching eligibility criteria in place.
Information will be published shortly for those certain non-HSE/non-Section 38 healthcare employees that are covered by the Government Decision and the process available to their employers to implement this measure for their eligible staff.
I would like to remind the Deputy that it is against Department policy to comment on individual cases.
1722. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if a renewed European health insurance card will issue in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42808/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1723. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health when the Covid payment of €1,000 paid to healthcare staff as an acknowledgement of their front-line work during the Covid pandemic will be paid to healthcare staff in private nursing homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42811/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.
I can advise that on January 19th, the Government announced a COVID-19 pandemic recognition payment for frontline public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. Following extensive engagement with healthcare unions on the matter, on 19th April the HSE published eligibility guidelines and FAQs, as apply to the HSE and Section 38 agencies, which are available on its website: www.hse.ie/eng/staff/resources/hr-circulars/hr-circular-012-2022-pandemic-special-recognition-payment.html. Payment is currently receiving priority across all Hospital Groups and Community Services in the HSE.
The HSE and the Department have been examining progressing the rollout to the list of 6 non-HSE/non-Section 38 organisation types covered by the Government Decision. This measure will be ring fenced to staff working ordinarily onsite in COVID-19 exposed healthcare environments. This shall cover eligible staff in:
1. Private Sector Nursing Homes and Hospices (e.g. Private, Voluntary, Section 39 etc.);
2. Eligible staff working on-site in Section 39 long-term residential care facilities for people with disabilities;
3. Agency roles working in the HSE;
4. Health Care Support Assistants (also known as home help / home care / home support) contracted to the HSE;
5. Members of the Defence Forces redeployed to work in frontline Covid-19 exposed environments in the HSE;
6. Paramedics employed by Dublin Fire Brigade to deliver services on behalf of the HSE.
The above 6 areas only are covered by this Government Decision and all eligible workers will be paid in accordance with the overarching eligibility criteria in place.
Information will be published shortly for those certain non-HSE/non-Section 38 healthcare employees that are covered by the Government Decision and the process available to their employers to implement this measure for their eligible staff.
1724. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health if free orthodontic treatment for children who have a condition called hypodontia will be provided through the Health Service Executive school age dental treatment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42814/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1725. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the totality of grant aid and-or subsidy provided to each local authority in 2019, 2020 and 2021 and to date in 2022 (details supplied). [42830/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe details that the Deputy requested are in the table. It should be noted that figures to date in 2022 are not currently available from the HSE.
1726. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health the number of new long-term and short-term respite beds that have been approved and allocated in each of the electoral areas in east Cork in each of the years 2019 to 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42843/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy's question relates to a service issue, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
1727. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health the number of new long-stay and short-stay mental health respite beds that have been approved and allocated in each of the electoral areas in east Cork in each of the years 2016 to 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42844/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1728. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health his plans to meet representatives of the survivors of abuse by a person (details supplied) in relation to establishing an inquiry into the Lourdes Hospital and Fair Street Consulting Rooms in terms of the way that this abuse continued for so long; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42847/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe abuse of trust and attack on the dignity of patients referred to by the Deputy was a terrible betrayal.
The issues arising from the case were the subject of an independent review commissioned by the then North Eastern Health Board and chaired by Dr. Miriam Hederman O’Brien, which reported in 1995. Dr O’Brien’s report provided information on the chronology of events at the hospital, recommendations on the prevention of sexual abuse and on procedures for handling complaints. As a result of the recommendations in this report significant improvements were made by the HSE in its systems for preventing and dealing with allegations of sexual abuse in healthcare settings and there are clear practices and protocols to deal with these issues.
Following on from that, in October 2009, the then Minister for Health and Children announced the establishment of an independent non statutory review - the “Drogheda Review”, the purpose of which was to advise on whether a further investigation into the procedures and practices at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital (OLOL) Drogheda during the period 1964 to 1995 would be of significant public benefit in helping to improve best practice guidelines and policies. The review was carried out by retired High Court Judge T.C. Smyth.
Judge Smyth submitted his report to the then Minister in September 2010. The report recommended that a further investigation should not be held and that, in order to avoid prejudicing any civil or criminal cases, the report should not be published. The Attorney General concurred with this advice but agreed that a short summary of the report could be prepared and published. Accordingly, a short summary of the report was prepared and supplied to the patient support groups in January 2011.
There are ongoing proceedings relating to this consultant and for this reason, it is not appropriate for the Government to take any action, including the establishment of a statutory inquiry, that could in any way prejudice these proceedings. Recent legal advice received by my Department confirms that this remains the position.
As the position has not changed with regard to advice provided to me concerning the establishment of a statutory inquiry, I have no current plans to meet with representatives of the survivors of abuse.
The Government continues to support the work of the Dignity4Patients Support Group through funding provided by the HSE, which has been extended for a further three-year period, to end 2024.
1729. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health his plans to introduce a scheme for the automatic provision of medical cards for the survivors of abuse by a person (details supplied) many of whom continue to suffer mental and physical health effects as a result of the abuse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42848/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Health Act 1970, eligibility for a medical card is based primarily on means. The Act obliges the HSE to assess whether a person is unable, without undue hardship, to arrange general practitioner services for himself or herself and his or her family, having regard to his or her overall financial position and reasonable expenditure.
However, every effort is made by the HSE, within the framework of the legislation, to support applicants in applying for a medical card and, in particular, to take full account of the difficult circumstances in the case of applicants who may be in excess of the income guidelines. The HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, even though an applicant exceeds the income threshold where they face difficult financial circumstances, such as extra costs arising from an illness. Social and medical issues are also considered when determining whether undue hardship exists for an individual accessing general practitioner or other medical services.
While there are no plans to introduce a scheme for the automatic provision of medical cards for the Group referred to by the Deputy, the Government continues to support the work of the Dignity4Patients Support Group through funding provided by the HSE, which has been extended for a further three-year period, to end 2024.
Dignity 4 Patients provides a valuable patient support and advocacy service to any person who has been affected by sexual assault and/or inappropriate behaviour while that person is in a therapeutic session, with specific reference to the North Eastern Health region.
Dignity 4 Patients clients may avail of the HSE's National Counselling Service and the HSE has put in place arrangements which will permit clients referred by Dignity 4 Patients to be fast-tracked into counselling as is the case for victims of institutional abuse. Dignity 4 Patients clients of course have the right to access all appropriate health and social care services in the same way as any other citizen.
1730. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if Crohn’s disease will be included under the long-term illness scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42860/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Long Term Illness (LTI) scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). Regulations were made in 1971, 1973 and 1975, prescribing 16 illnesses covered by the scheme. These 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.
While there are no current plans to extend the list of illnesses covered, the LTI scheme will be included in a review of the current eligibility framework, including the basis for existing hospital and medication charges, to be carried out under commitments given in the Sláintecare Implementation Strategy.
In the meantime, for those who are not deemed eligible for the LTI scheme, there are other arrangements which protect them from excessive medicine costs.
Under the Drug Payment Scheme, no individual or family pays more than €80 a month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The scheme significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals with ongoing expenditure on medicines.
People who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be eligible for a medical card. In accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE. Medical card eligibility is primarily based on an assessment of means and is not granted on the basis of any particular condition.
In certain circumstances, the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, even though an applicant exceeds the income guidelines, where he or she faces difficult financial circumstances, such as extra costs arising from illness. In circumstances where an applicant is still over the income limit for a medical card, they are then assessed for a GP visit card, which entitles the applicant to GP visits without charge.
Individuals may also be entitled to claim tax relief on the cost of their medical expenses. This includes medicines prescribed by a doctor, dentist, or consultant. Relief is at the standard tax rate of 20%.
1731. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if he plans to conduct a review of the long-term illness scheme to include other chronic conditions and diseases; the last time that his Department conducted a review of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42861/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Long-Term Illness (LTI) scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). Regulations were made in 1971, 1973 and 1975, prescribing 16 illnesses covered by the scheme. These 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 have been several reviews of the LTI scheme carried out by my Department, the most recent of which was in 2018. At that time, it was decided that the LTI scheme should be included in an extensive review of the current eligibility framework.
Therefore, the LTI scheme will be included in a review of the current eligibility framework, including the basis for existing hospital and medication charges, that will be carried out under commitments given in the Sláintecare Implementation Strategy. It is not possible at this juncture to say what the outcome of this review will be or when it will be completed.
The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform recently completed a spending review of the LTI scheme, which will be published shortly. The results and recommendations of that spending review will also inform the wider eligibility review of the LTI scheme.
