Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Question 14: To ask the Minister for Health if he will consider including sufferers from epidermolysis bullosa in the long term illness scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24280/12]

Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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Question 19: To ask the Minister for Health the reason persons suffering from motor neuron disease are not covered by the long term illness scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24283/12]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 19 together.

There are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the Long Term Illness 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.

The Programme for Government commits to reforming the current public health system by introducing Universal Health Insurance with equal access to care for all. As part of this, the Government is committed to introducing Universal GP Care within its first term of office.

Primary legislation is required to give effect to this commitment. The Department of Health is currently drafting legislation to provide for the phased introduction of a universal GP service without fees in line with the commitment set out in the Programme for Government. Initially it is intended to extend GP cover without fees to persons with illnesses or disabilities to be prescribed by regulations under the new legislation. It is my intention to have the Bill published and enacted before the summer recess.