Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 198: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the reason Crohn's disease is not classified as a long-term disease due to the fact that symptoms may be alleviated but not cured; and if he will make a general medical card available to persons suffering from this disease. [37866/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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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, through the Long Term Illness Scheme.

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 no plans to extend the list of eligible conditions covered by the Long Term Illness Scheme, or to provide medical cards on an automatic basis to persons suffering with Crohns Disease.

Under the Drugs Payment Scheme, no individual or family unit pays more than €100 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, 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.