Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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1238. To ask the Minister for Health if the HSE can add ADHD to the long-term illness scheme if Statutory Instrument No. 277 (9) is not revoked; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55571/22]

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, including mental illness (in a person under 16). Under the LTI scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge.

It is important to note that the LTI scheme already includes ADHD under this category of ‘mental illness’. There is a limitation on this category, as specified by Statutory Instrument No. 277 of 1971, namely: "Arrangements for the supply of drugs and medicines to persons suffering from mental illness in pursuance of section 59 (3) of the Act shall be made only in respect of persons under the age of 16 years." It is for this reason that the HSE must regard 16 years of age as the upper age limit in terms of eligibility under the LTI scheme for those with a diagnosis of mental illness.

As noted previously, the LTI scheme will be included as part of a review of the current eligibility framework, including the basis for existing hospital and medication charges, to be carried out under commitments given in the Sláintecare Implementation Strategy. All possible options in relation to the operation of the LTI scheme will be considered as part of that review. However, it is not possible at this juncture to say what the outcome of that review will be.