Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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689. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to include haemochromarosis on the list of eligible conditions covered by the long term illness scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25886/13]

Noel Coonan (Tipperary North, Fine Gael)
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696. To ask the Minister for Health the medical conditions that qualify a person for the long term illness scheme; if he will consider adding maple syrup urine disorder to the list of illnesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25951/13]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 689 and 696 together.

The conditions covered by the Long Term Illness scheme are as follows: acute leukaemia; mental handicap; cerebral palsy; mental illness (in a person under 16); cystic fibrosis; multiple sclerosis; diabetes insipidus; muscular dystrophies; diabetes mellitus; Parkinsonism; epilepsy; phenylketonuria; haemophilia; spina bifida; hydrocephalus; and conditions arising from the use of thalidomide. 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 €144 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 GP consultations.