2789. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to adding Crohn’s disease to the long term illness scheme in order that those suffering with this chronic lifelong condition can avail of medicines and treatments to manage their disease; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24279/26]

3010. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Health if she is aware of issues persons and families with children suffering from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) not being able to access medical cards due to i not being on the HSE's long-term illness list; the rationale for not including IBD on the long-term illness list; and if she will consider including IBD on the long-term illness list. [25312/26]

3061. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health if consideration has been given to adding Crohn's disease, which is life-changing and life-long, to the long-term illness scheme; if not, if this will this be considered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25599/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 2789, 3010 and 3061 together.

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 conditions to be covered by the Scheme. The full list can be found here: https://www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/lti/approved-medications/

Under the LTI Scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge. While there are currently no plans to extend the list of conditions, it is important to remember that the LTI Scheme exists within a wider eligibility framework.

People who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependents may be eligible for a medical card under the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme. In accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE.

In certain circumstances the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, even though an applicant exceeds the income guidelines, where he or she faces difficult financial circumstances, such as extra costs arising from illness. The HSE afford applicants the opportunity to furnish supporting documentation to determine whether undue hardship exists and to fully take account of all relevant circumstances that may benefit them in assessment. In circumstances where an applicant is still over the income limit for a medical card, they are then assessed for a GP visit card, which entitles the applicant to GP visits without charge.

The issue of granting medical card eligibility based on having a particular disability or illness was previously examined in 2014 by the HSE Expert Panel on Medical Need and Medical Card Eligibility. The Group concluded that it was not feasible, desirable, nor ethically justifiable to list medical conditions in priority order for medical card eligibility. In following the Expert Group’s advice, a person’s means remains the main qualifier for a medical card.

For those without a Medical Card, under the Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS), no individual or family pays more than €80 a month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The DPS is not means tested and is available to anyone ordinarily resident in Ireland. The DPS significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals with ongoing expenditure on medicines.

There has been a significant focus on improving access to and the affordability of healthcare services over the last few years. This includes reductions in the DPS threshold, expansion of access to free GP care, and the abolition of all public in-patient hospital charges for children and adults. These measures continue to create a health and social care service that offers affordable access to quality healthcare.

Individuals may also be entitled to claim tax relief on the cost of their medical expenses, including medicines prescribed by a doctor, dentist, or consultant. Relief is at the standard tax rate of 20%.