The current system of supports for those with coeliac disease is unfair and excludes many who need help with the high cost of gluten free food, a Fine Gael TD has said.
Deputy Barry Ward raised the issue with the Social Protection Minister directly through a series of Parliamentary Questions, noting the financial burden faced by those diagnosed with dietary issues, and the lack of supports for new applicants to State schemes.
The Diet Supplement scheme, administered under Supplementary Welfare Allowance, is still payable to those who qualified for it, but it was discontinued for new applicants from the 1st of February 2014.
“The cost of gluten-free products continues to put pressure on households, who do not receive supports particularly at a time when the cost of living remains high,” said Deputy Ward.
“This is a lifelong condition. People are dealing with higher costs every single week, and that is in addition to the increased cost of living which has put costs up across the board.
“It’s not reasonable to expect certain families to absorb those costs indefinitely, especially when others in the same position are receiving support. I have had constituents share their experiences with me and I find it fundamentally unfair.
“At the very least, there should be a clear plan to reopen the scheme or introduce a fair alternative. People shouldn’t be losing out because they were diagnosed later or who missed a deadline.
“I would ask the Minister to engage with organisations like the Coeliac Society of Ireland with a view to reopening a similar scheme to the Diet Supplement, to support those living with the condition”, concluded Deputy Ward.