Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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To ask the Minister for Health when he intends to revise the classification of illnesses which come under the long term illness scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48117/12]

Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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To ask the Minister for Health if he will include inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis on the long term illness scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48118/12]

Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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To ask the Minister for Health if he will include polycythemia vera on the long term illness scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48119/12]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Health if he intends to consider the addition of ulcerative colitis to the list of illness which qualify for support under the long term illness scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48616/12]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1111 to 1113, inclusive, and 1173 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.