Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 489: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the reason autism is not regarded as long-term illness under the terms of the long-term illness scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1907/09]

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 501: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if there are plans to include a long-term illness (details supplied) under the terms of the long-term illness scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1976/09]

Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 504: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her views on the inclusion of autism in the long-term illness scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1981/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 489, 501 and 504 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. I am having enquiries made in regard to the issues raised by the Deputies and will write to them as soon as possible.