Gino Kenny (Dublin Mid West, People Before Profit Alliance)
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96. To ask the Minister for Health if he will implement a review of the long-term illness scheme in view of the fact that it is almost 50 years since it has been updated; if he will consider the addition of fibromyalgia and ME to the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12400/19]

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). The conditions covered by the LTI are: 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. Under the LTI Scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge.  

There are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the Scheme at this time.

However, I wish to inform the Deputy that it is proposed that the LTI Scheme would be included as part of a review of the basis for existing hospital and medication charges, to be carried out under commitments given in the Sláintecare Implementation Strategy.