Healthcare Policy
Seanad Éireann — 2026-06-16
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Kieran O'Donnell (FG), Limerick City

I thank Senator O'Reilly again for raising this important matter. As I stated previously, I am taking this matter on behalf of the Minister for Health, Deputy Carroll MacNeill. I have very much taken on board the points the Senator has raised. I will revert to the Minister for Health on those specific points.
While there are no plans to extend the scope of this scheme, the long-term illness scheme exists within a wider eligibility framework. The Government is focused on expanding eligibility and improving the affordability of healthcare through a wide variety of measures. As mentioned, measures such as the substantial reduction of the drugs payment scheme threshold; the introduction of a GP chronic disease management programme, under which eligible patients will receive annual scheduled reviews with a GP and practice nurse; the expansion of access to free GP care to include more children and adults; and the abolition of all public inpatient hospital charges for both children and adults have had substantial impacts on the affordability of healthcare. These measures continue to create a health and social care service that offers affordable access to quality healthcare.
Senator O'Reilly will be aware that individuals may also be entitled to claim tax in respect of the costs of their medical expenses including medicine prescribed by a doctor or dentist with relief at the standard rate of 20%. Aside from eligibility and affordability, there remains a continued focus on improving the services available to people, as seen in the programme for Government commitments. The Senator raises important points. As I said previously, I will bring back to the attention of the Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, the specific points raised around Addison's disease and the long-term illness card.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-06-16/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:55:03+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-06-16