Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate that the issue I raised has been chosen as a Commencement matter.

A number of people who are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and are taking heavy medication to deal with the pain find that their condition is not included in the long-term illness book. I wish to ascertain whether rheumatoid arthritis can be included in the long-term illness book. I also am calling for an overall review of the long-term illness book, which resulted from section 59 of the Health Act 1970. While the legislation has been slightly amended since, there has not been a great deal of change in terms of the different illnesses that have been included in it. A number of people have had to pay out a great deal of money for the prescriptions to deal with their conditions, which in some cases are long-term illnesses. It is not the case that the person will recover. A prescription from one's general practitioner, GP, to deal with the condition is not covered by the long-term illness scheme but in certain circumstances, a case can be made for a hospital prescription to be filled for a short period. It is time for a review of the long-term illness scheme. A number of illnesses and conditions should be examined in a review. I look forward to the Minister of State's response.