Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
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145. To ask the Minister for Health in relation to the Long-Term Illness Scheme, his plans to review the terms provided to certain qualifying medical conditions; if his attention has been drawn to the offensive nature of certain terms, listed as being covered by the scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7508/15]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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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.

The term "mental handicap", as used in the Regulations made in 1971 (S.I. No. 277 of 1971), encapsulates such conditions as Down's Syndrome and Global Development Delay etc. The Consultant or GP who signs the patient's application for a LTI book outlines which condition is relevant for the patient.

There are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the LTI Scheme or to amend the terminology used in the Scheme at this time.