166. Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Health if an adult suffering from chronic schizophrenia and diabetes, and who suffered from poliomyelitis as a child would qualify for the long-term illness scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39613/14]

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 specifying the conditions covered by the LTI Scheme, which are as follows: 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.

If an individual is suffering from one or more of these conditions he/she can apply to their local health office for admission to the long-term illness scheme. Once eligible they are issued with a long-term illness book which lists the drugs and medicines for the treatment of their condition.