Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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313. To ask the Minister for Health if a long-term illness payment or equivalent status will be awarded in the case of a person (details supplied) who suffers from multiple sclerosis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35244/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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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, prescribing 16 illnesses covered by the scheme. These 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. All persons 'ordinarily resident’ in the Republic of Ireland who are diagnosed with at least one of the listed illnesses are entitled to apply. There is no means test for the LTI scheme.

Information regarding the LTI scheme, including how to apply, can be found at: www2.hse.ie/services/long-term-illness-scheme/long-term-illness.html.