Is the Minister not aware that people suffering from coeliac disease are in need of a constant special diet and consequently are involved in constant heavy and special expenditure? Would he not accept that for that reason this disease ought be included on the list of long-term illnesses which would entitle them to full consideration for the special cost involved rather than having to go through the unsatisfactory procedure of seeking refunds if they are within the eligible categories as outlined by the Minister?

I would accept that it would be better for these unfortunate sufferers if the disease were included on the list of long-term illnesses. Of course there are many diseases competing for inclusion on that list and which we are just not able at present to accommodate. The long-term illness scheme will be reviewed again before the end of this year.

Can the Minister say whether at this point there is any possibility of giving priority to two or three of these diseases which apparently cause most social as well as individual distress? I agree that a case can be made quite properly for the inclusion of all of these diseases that will be the subject of a review. I agree with Deputy Boland, and perhaps other Deputies, that the sufferers of coeliac disease and their families appear to be subject to particular pressures. Would the Minister give any indication of his view on that matter?

It is very expensive to include one of these diseases in the long-term illness scheme. There are other groups equally insistent that other particular ailments should be included. I would ask Deputies to leave the matter over for the present. I will be looking at the long-term illness scheme generally between now and the end of the year.

Has the Minister considered representations from organisations representing these people? How will that review be undertaken? Will he consider representations by Members of the Dáil in regard to hardships? What process is employed in determining the review of this scheme? Will there be a number of diseases removed from the list, or what is envisaged by the Minister?

I do not think we would be reviewing the scheme with a view to disimproving it. The normal procedure would be that the operation of the scheme would be reviewed departmentally and all representations which have been received for extensions over a period will be looked at and examined. Of course, any representations which Deputies, Senators or indeed particular organisations wish to make will be taken into account.

I am glad to hear the Minister say that he would not be reviewing the scheme with a view to its disimprovement. That seems to be out of line with the rest of his colleagues.

Is the Deputy being tendentious now?