Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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230. To ask the Minister for Health if persons qualifying under the long-term illness scheme are eligible for workplace programmes and training courses even if they are drawing credits rather than receiving a social welfare payment; the supports available for persons in this category to assist them in returning to the labour market in circumstances in which this is possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42830/19]

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 this scheme, patients receive medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge.

Issues in relation to eligibility for workplace programmes and training courses are a matter for my colleagues, the Minister for Education and Skills and the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection.

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community drug schemes; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.