Alex White (Dublin South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The long-term illness scheme, LTI, was established under section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970. Regulations were made in 1971, 1973 and 1975 specifying the conditions covered by the LTI scheme. The conditions covered by the LTI scheme are as follows: 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. There are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered under the LTI scheme.

My Department is currently reviewing the operation of the LTI scheme. It is expected that this review will be completed later this year. However, there are no plans to review the scheme along the lines of the current work of the expert panel recently established by the HSE to review eligibility for medical cards.

Under the drug payment scheme, no individual or family pays more than €144 per calendar month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The scheme significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals incurring ongoing expenditure on medicines. Of course, the introduction of that scheme post-dates the LTI scheme.

In addition, people who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be entitled to a medical card. In the assessment process, the HSE may take into account medical costs incurred by an individual or a family. Those who are not eligible for a medical card may still be able to avail of a GP-visit card, which covers the cost of GP consultations.

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