Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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689. To ask the Minister for Health his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the drugs payment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25766/14]

Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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713. To ask the Minister for Health the reason long term illnesses such as Crohn's and ulcerative colitis are not included in the long term illness scheme; if he will review this practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25890/14]

Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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722. To ask the Minister for Health if the review panel of the long term illness scheme will consider Lupus; and the persons included on the panel. [25940/14]

Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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745. To ask the Minister for Health if he will include asthma on the long term illness scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26121/14]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 689, 713, 722 and 745 together.

The Long Term Illness (LTI) Scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act, 1970 (as amended). Regulations were made in 1971, 1973 and 1975 specifying the conditions covered by the LTI Scheme. There are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered under the LTI Scheme.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has established an expert panel to review eligibility for medical cards. There are no plans for such a review of the LTI 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 HSE 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.