Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 256: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the reason children with autism are not automatically entitled to a medical card; the reason people with autism and on gluten free diet are not given financial help; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42334/06]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
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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 and medical and surgical appliances to people with a specified condition, through the Long Term Illness Scheme (LTI). The LTI does not cover GP fees or hospital co-payments. The conditions are: 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 lists of eligible conditions. Products which are necessary for the management of the specified illness are available to LTI patients. Other products are available according to the patients eligibility.

The Deputy's question also relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.