Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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1057. To ask the Minister for Health if he will issue a long term illness card as a matter of urgency in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45878/13]

Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party)
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1066. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to amend the Health Act 1970, in order to include colitis and Crohn's disease as a long-term illness which should be covered by the disability scheme [45914/13]

Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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1172. To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on plans to make provision in terms of entitlements to persons with long-term illnesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46625/13]

Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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1183. To ask the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 is covered under the long-term illness scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46732/13]

Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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1184. To ask the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3 is covered under the long-term illness scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46733/13]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1057, 1066, 1172, 1183 and 1184 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 €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 general practice consultation. In relation to the individual cases cited, the HSE is responsible for the administration of the long-term illness scheme, therefore, these matters have been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputies.