Ms Alison Cotter:

Very important points are being raised here today. To link back to something Mr. Schäler said and Deputy Canney raised, for the families affected by brain injuries, neurological conditions and progressive neurological conditions, it is the difference between someone being able to go to Mass in the morning, to pick up their children, to stay at home if they wish to do so or to access appropriate care when they need it. It is really about including them in the discussion. We have some of the families in the room today and they are at the centre of this discussion.

Another member organisation, Muscular Dystrophy Ireland, has highlighted the lack of special psychological support in the community for people living with muscular dystrophy and other neurological conditions. There is a dearth of service there in terms of psychological for the person but also the family affected by the condition. Mr. Grogan mentioned that his wife has willingly and wholeheartedly devoted her life to their child, as any mother would. It is about supporting the entire family unit to enable that person to live well with their family and in their community.