Written answers

Wednesday, 13 May 2020

Department of Health

Long-Term Illness Scheme Coverage

Photo of Michael McGrathMichael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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506. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to recognise a life-threatening allergy as a long-term illness; if so, if it will be included on the long-term illness scheme; if such a condition will be recognised under the Disability Act 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4200/20]

Photo of Simon HarrisSimon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Long Term Illness 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 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.

The Disability Act 2005, which comes under the remit of the Department of Justice and Equality, is designed to advance and underpin the participation of people with disabilities in society by supporting the provision of disability specific services and improving access to mainstream public services. It places significant obligations on public bodies to make buildings and services accessible to people with disabilities, provides for sectorial plans in key service areas, requires public bodies to take positive actions to employ people with disabilities and provides for the establishment of a Centre for Excellence in Universal Design rather than the provision of services based on a specific diagnosis or condition.

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