Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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237. To ask the Minister for Health if plans can be made to distribute a special type of bread to PKU sufferers (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25285/23]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Government is committed to providing accessible and affordable health care and there are a number of arrangements in place which protect people from excessive medicine costs.

The Long-Term Illness (LTI) Scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). Regulations were made prescribing 16 illnesses covered by the Scheme, including Phenylketonuria. Under the LTI Scheme, which is not means tested, patients receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge.

Individuals nay be able to claim tax relief for certain food products if they have specific dietary requirements due to a medical condition. Details of this scheme are available at:

www.revenue.ie/en/personal-tax-credits-reliefs-and-exemptions/health-and-age/health-expenses/additional-diet-expenses-for-coeliacs-and-diabetics.aspx.

As this question also raises a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.