Dan Neville (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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654. To ask the Minister for Health if he will consider chronic obstructive pulmonary disease qualifying for the long term illness card; and to outline its exclusion to date as it is treatable but not curable [6958/14]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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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.