Mr. John Hennessy:

A matter that came up in respect of the burden of illness was mentioned in a number of the Deputies' comments. The first report of the clinical advisory group is being worked through at the moment. The first report made eight recommendations and we have been dealing with them. The first was the approvals for medical cards for children with a cancer diagnosis. Other recommendations called for more flexibility in reviewing eligibility and we are working through those. The operation of the long-term illness scheme, which is a bigger issue, will require closer liaison with the Department of Health. Extension of services to public health nursing and home support outside of medical card eligibility is also being addressed, but is a more medium-term issue. The review arrangements for discretionary medical cards and non-medical benefits are both being worked through by the primary care reimbursement service, PCRS, at this time. We anticipate a further report from the clinical advisory group shortly, which I am sure will address other issues in respect of the burden of illness. Members will recall that the issue is a notoriously difficult one to grapple with and was of particular difficulty for the Keane review group in the first instance. It has not gotten any easier but we are still grappling with measures that will hopefully improve the situation for applicants with critical and serious illness.