Colm Keaveney (Galway East, Independent) | Oireachtas source

There is a cost for that service. There is no public sleep clinic in the country. In terms of access to service for people, this in itself is a barrier to those affected securing the best possible outcomes.

I am delighted that the Minister of State, Deputy Lynch, is in the House today. There is a requirement to also consider the recognition of narcolepsy as a disability in that many of those affected believe they will be discriminated against in the workplace as a consequence of either of the variables of the symptoms, be it muscle weakness, hallucinations or paralysis.

Some of the testimonies from SOUND, in terms of our requirement to address this issue, transcend health. Many of the young adults affected have special educational needs. Some of them hope to go on to third level education. We need to consider putting in place support measures in this regard. Younger children affected also have special educational needs and require the support of special needs assistants to get safely through their day in the education system. I have heard reports of adults having to give up their jobs to care for their young adult children as they cannot be left alone to shower, have a bath or shave in their own domestic environment as a consequence of this situation. What is required is a hands-on engagement on the part of the Minister and the Department, and, perhaps, a cross-departmental group to address the catalogue of concerns of families in regard to this crisis. I appeal to the Minister of State to follow up this matter with the Minister to ensure there is engagement this side of the summer recess with the families affected to ensure their needs as a consequence of this unforeseen situation are catered for.

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