Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Question 95: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of patients in need of ileostomy equipment; her views on whether this equipment should be free the same as diabetic medication and equipment; her further views on whether colitis patients are affected by undue pressure and should be helped in every way; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4848/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Statistics about non-notifiable illnesses are not routinely collected by my Department.

Under the 1970 Health Act, the Health Service Executive may arrange for the supply, without charge, of drugs, medicines and medical and surgical appliances to people with a specified condition, for the treatment of that condition, through the long-term illness scheme, LTI. The LTI does not cover GP fees or hospital co-payments. The conditions covered include: mental handicap, mental illness, for people under 16 only, phenylketonuria, cystic fibrosis, spina bifida, hydrocephalus, diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, haemophilia, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophies, parkinsonism, conditions arising from thalidomide and acute leukaemia. There are currently no plans to extend the list of eligible conditions.

I presume the Deputy is referring to undue financial pressure. 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 Health Service Executive can take into account medical costs incurred by an individual or a family.

In November 2004, I introduced a new graduated benefit — the GP visit card to extend free GP care and treatment to individuals and families on low incomes. In June last year, I simplified the means test for both medical and GP visit cards. It is now based on an applicant's and spouse's income after income tax and PRSI, and takes account of reasonable expenses incurred in respect of rent or mortgage payments, child care and travel to work. In October, I announced that the income guidelines for both medical and GP visit cards would be increased by an additional 20%. This means the income guidelines are now 29% higher than this time last year. These improvements have also made the assessment process much fairer and ensure that those on low to moderate incomes can qualify for free GP care.

Non-medical card holders can use the drug payment scheme, which protects against excessive medicines costs. Under this scheme, no individual or family unit pays more than €85 per calendar month, or approximately €20 per week, towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The scheme is easy to use and significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals incurring ongoing expenditure on medicines for the treatment of illnesses such as colitis. In addition, the Deputy will be aware that non-reimbursed medical expenses above a set threshold may be offset against tax.

Products which are necessary for the management of the specified illness are available to LTI patients. Other products are available according to the patient's eligibility. There are a variety of ileostomy bags included on the list of reimbursable non-drug items for the community drugs schemes.