Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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Question 518: To ask the Minister for Health when he proposes to introduce the promised changes that will allow access to motor neurons suffers on to the drugs payment scheme. [28792/11]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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I understand that the Deputy is referring to the inclusion of motor neuron disease on the Long Term Illness Scheme. 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.