Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 130: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will respond positively to the reasonable and finite demands of post polio survivors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15966/08]

Jimmy Devins (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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Following a submission to the Joint Committee on Health and Children in December 2004, the Post Polio Support Group received a substantial increase in their funding from approximately €84,000 to over €300,000 per annum. The organisation is in receipt of an annual grant of €398,806 from the Health Service Executive. I am aware that access to the long-term illness scheme has been an issue of concern for the Post Polio Support Group. There are no plans to extend the list of eligible conditions under the long-term illness scheme. 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. 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 general practice consultations. Non-medical card holders and people whose illness is not covered by the long-term illness scheme can use the Drug Payment scheme, which protects against excessive medicine costs. Under this scheme, no individual or family pays more than €90 per calendar month 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. In addition, non-reimbursed medical expenses above a set threshold may be offset against tax.