Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 December 2025
323. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to the inclusion of all ostomy products on the long term illness scheme; if she will remove the need for a prescription for these products; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [70636/25]
View answerThe 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. Further information, including the list of conditions, can be found at: www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/lti/about/.
Under the LTI Scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) administers the Scheme. The HSE advise that the drugs, medicines and non-drug items reimbursable under the LTI Scheme are intended for the treatment of the primary condition.
The Core Lists were developed following detailed consultation with Medical Officers, HSE Pharmacists and the HSE Medicines Management Programme (MMP). The HSE is satisfied that all medicines that should be necessary for the treatment of each primary LTI Scheme condition are provided on these Core Lists. Core Lists are reviewed every few years to ensure that they reflect current prescribing practices and treatments of the primary illness.
