Brendan Ryan (Dublin North, Labour)
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Question 865: To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding the inclusion of ulcerative collitis in the long-term illness scheme; his plans to include the condition in the scheme in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22957/11]

Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party)
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Question 893: To ask the Minister for Health if he will include Crohn's disease in the long-term illnesses scheme. [23140/11]

Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 896: To ask the Minister for Health his plans to add Crohn's disease to the list of qualifying conditions under the long-term illness scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23160/11]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 865, 893 and 896 together. There are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the Long Term Illness Scheme. However, the terms of the scheme will be reviewed in the context of the Government's proposals for Universal Health Insurance and free GP care at the point of delivery.

Under the Drug Payment Scheme no individual or family 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.