Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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231. To ask the Minister for Health if rheumatoid arthritis will be included as a long-term illness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21931/14]

Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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237. To ask the Minister for Health if he will class ulcerative colitis and the condition ostomate as long-term illnesses; if he will consider the related concerns (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21944/14]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 231 and 237 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 GP consultations.

With reference to water charges, the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government has announced that he intends to use his powers under the Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 to ensure that the charges are capped for people with high water usage due to certain medical conditions. These conditions are to be determined in consultation with the Minister for Health.