Anne Ferris (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 158: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if he will consider adding Crohn's disease to the long-term illness scheme in view of the fact that persons living with Crohn's disease have to attend their general practitioners on a regular basis and have to have various hospital procedures carried out regularly; if he will further consider introducing a prescription only medical card to help persons with Crohn's disease in view of the fact that paying €120 on the drugs payment scheme is out of the question for many persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8689/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Under the 1970 Health Act, the Health Service Executive may arrange for the supply, without charge, of medicines and medical and surgical appliances to people with specified conditions, 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. There are currently no plans to extend the list of eligible conditions covered by the LTI.

Under the Drugs Payment Scheme, which was introduced in 1999, no individual or family unit pays more than €120 per calendar month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The scheme 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. Under the Government's proposals for Universal Health Insurance and free GP care at the point of delivery, this issue will be considered and addressed.