Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 724: To ask the Minister for Health if patients of Fibromyalgia are not covered by the long-term illness scheme, the welfare schemes available to them. [11106/12]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Fibromyalgia is not one of conditions covered by the Long Term Illness Scheme and there are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the scheme

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. 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 consultation.