Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Question 586: To ask the Minister for Health if he will extend the long term illness scheme in order to include systemic lupus erythematosus as a long term chronic illness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31723/12]

Tom Barry (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 594: To ask the Minister for Health if Crohn's disease will be included in the long term illness scheme [31820/12]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 659: To ask the Minister for Health he will consider recommending the condition known as Lupus for designation as a long term illness [32311/12]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 586, 594 and 659 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.