Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 225: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if there are proposals to change the terms of the long term illness scheme; if so, the reasons for the changes; her views on the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35306/07]

Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Question 243: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the proposed changes in respect of the long-term illness scheme; the way it will affect patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35554/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 225 and 243 together.

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 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. 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 currently no plans to change the scheme or extend the list of eligible conditions.