Robert Dowds (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 539: To ask the Minister for Health his plans for, and progress on, reviewing the long-term illness scheme as part of the extension of free primary care to persons covered under this scheme. [37404/11]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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The Programme for Government provides for a significant strengthening of primary care services with the removal of cost as a barrier to access to General Practitioner (GP) services. Access to GP care without fees will be extended in 2012 to persons covered by the Long Term Illness Scheme and in the following year to patients who receive medicines under the High Tech Drugs Scheme. Access to subsidised GP care will be extended to all in the next phase and universal access to GP care without fees will occur in the final phase.

The Long Term Illness Scheme provides, through community pharmacy contractors, free medicines and appliances to persons who are suffering from a specified illness. At present Long Term Illness card holders do not receive free GP care unless they are also holders of medical cards. Extension of free GP care to all claimants of medicines under the Long Term Illness will require primary legislation.

Robert Dowds (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 540: To ask the Minister for Health if he will consider including HIV-AIDS on the list of illnesses covered under the long-term illness scheme, in view of the fact that most people with this illness now live with it for a number of years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37405/11]

Robert Dowds (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 541: To ask the Minister for Health if he will consider including Crohn's disease on the list of illnesses covered under the long-term illness scheme, in view of the fact that the incidence of the disease has increased in Europe over the past number of years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37406/11]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 540 and 541 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.