Ms Mary Casserly:

I thank the Deputy for his comments and observations that when we are diagnosed, we have to cope with the diagnosis as well as having to fight. It can be very hard to do both. You do not want to have to be fighting all the time for your rights.

I was told that information was given on Parkinson's, but it was not geared towards the early onset form of the disease. A young person in his 40s was in a group with people in their 80s. They were talking about hoists and choking. That is scary to hear that in your 40s. We need information appropriate to the right age group.

On medical cards, it is terrible that we are depending on our partners to support us. I am mindful that I am lucky to have a partner. There are people living on their own depending on the social welfare payment. I spoke to one man who had an automatic car but had to get rid of it because he could not afford to meet the bills. That means he is further isolated from society because he cannot drive in a rural area.