Mr. George Kennedy:

We appreciate that. Peter is a volunteer in our organisation and also its vice president. The ethos of our organisation, which has been in existence since 1968, is volunteer based. Today we are seeking the committee's help in putting pressure on decision-makers who made to our members and various organisations specific promises that have not been honoured.

The rate of spina bifida and hydrocephalus in Ireland per capitais one of the highest in the world. One in 80 children born in this country each year has the condition spina bifida and 80% of such children also have hydrocephalus. Having mentioned the words, "spina bifida", Ms Hazel McGeough will go through what is the condition, will define it and will outline to the joint committee some of the difficulties our members suffer.