Professor Orla Hardiman:

The number is based on a calculation from the best-fit model from the UK. If we work it out on the ratio of people with neurological disabilities, we expect and the ratio we should have with nurses then that is what that number is. However, if the population increases then obviously we are going to need more. Many neurological conditions get worse as people get older so as the population ages the number will probably increase as well. We must recognise the geographic terrain as well. If you are going up to Bloody Foreland and going back to the base in Sligo, that is a very long trip. It may well be, therefore, that in certain parts of the country the appointment of nurses will be as much a function of the geographic reach they have. There is a similar issue in Scotland with the Highlands. The number of people managed by specialist nurses is much smaller because the geographic distance is much greater so you must allow travel time for these people. That is important.