Shane Ross (Dublin South, Independent)
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153. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to introduce a charge, per item, for holders of the long term illness card; his views on the potential negative impact of the charge on the health of the card holders, with a consequential increased cost in hospital fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7578/15]

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, which are as follows: Acute Leukaemia; Mental handicap; Cerebral Palsy; Mental Illness (in a person under 16); Cystic Fibrosis; Multiple Sclerosis; Diabetes Insipidus; Muscular Dystrophies; Diabetes Mellitus; Parkinsonism; Epilepsy; Phenylketonuria; Haemophilia; Spina Bifida; Hydrocephalus; and conditions arising from the use of Thalidomide.

The LTI scheme enables persons suffering from the above prescribed conditions to be provided with drugs, medicines and medical and surgical appliances for the treatment of their condition, free of charge. While from time to time the Department examines policy options regarding the application of the GMS and community drugs schemes, there are no plans to introduce a co-payment for the LTI scheme.