Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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225. To ask the Minister for Health if all muscular dystrophies are covered under the long-term illness scheme and, if not, the exceptions and the reason for their exclusion. [17544/16]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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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. There are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the LTI Scheme.

Additional information from the Deputy's office confirms that the question relates specifically to a condition called myasthenia gravis, which is not covered under the LTI Scheme. My officials are currently sourcing and collating the information required and as soon as it is available they will contact the Deputy directly in this matter.