Anthony Lawlor (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 184: To ask the Minister for Health the level of State support and resources available to sufferers of Lupus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6971/12]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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The diagnosis and management of Lupus takes place in a number of healthcare settings. Patients with Lupus are generally under the care of a rheumatologist and other specialists as necessary, such as dermatologists. Any person may be referred to their local hospital by their GP.

Under the Drug Payment Scheme no individual or family pays more than €132 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.

Under the provisions of the Health Act 1970, medical cards are provided to persons who, in the opinion of the Health Service Executive, are unable without undue hardship to arrange general practitioner medical and surgical services for themselves and their dependants. The assessment for a medical card is based on the means of the applicant and his/her dependants.

At my request the HSE recently set up a clinical panel to assist in the processing of applications for discretionary medical cards where there are difficult personal circumstances. This should be of particular benefit to persons whose income is in excess of the standard income guidelines.

Anthony Lawlor (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 185: To ask the Minister for Health if he has considered introducing a national campaign to provide information regarding Lupus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6972/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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There are no plans at present for a national campaign to provide information regarding Lupus; however the HSE can commit to making arrangements to meet the Lupus patient group to discuss their suggestions on this matter - if that would be helpful. The National Advocacy Unit would be happy to facilitate such a meeting and they will listen to the concerns of patients with Lupus and ensure the feedback is considered by the HSE. The National Advocacy Unit can be contacted at www.yourserviceyoursay.ie or 045 880400.