Dr. Susan Coote:

We know the cost of progressive disability due to multiple sclerosis is approximately €19 million per year. Let me put that into context. The evidence from MS Ireland's programmes is that we can maintain people's status and that, with our more specialist programmes, including a specialist physiotherapy programme, we can improve their status. In respect of the MS Ireland programme, we have a call-out for a senior physiotherapist in each community health organisation, to be employed by us to deliver our evidence-based programmes. The cost nationally would be €880,000, which is a very small proportion of the €19 million cost associated with progressive multiple sclerosis disability. The health economics studies are available, and Dr. Pender referred to them earlier. International studies show that rehabilitation can not only maintain one's status but also improve it and therefore result in savings. We have demonstrated very real savings through our Sláintecare integration fund project around falls and the lack of inpatient bed days, but there are also rehabilitation gains owing to independence and there being less need for care. The data available internationally that show these programmes can result in cost savings for the State.