Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

——I have other statistics before me outlining the number of people suffering from muscular dystrophy who do not have access to physiotherapists and occupational therapists. There are 97 members who have no physiotherapy when required. Some 240 receive it intermittently and need it more regularly. There are 20 members who cannot access an occupational therapist at all and 42 are waiting to receive equipment. I am told that waiting for equipment is futile. If someone needs a wheelchair or a breathing machine, he or she needs it now. When one's life is limited and the end is dismal, the equipment is required now. That was brought home to us very poignantly today, and it was heart-rending to listen to those parents.

Another point they made was that they need an investment of €2 million for research. They are involved with the Hammersmith Hospital, London, and the Minister of State met them in February. They acknowledged how supportive he has been to them and asked us as public representatives and Members of the Oireachtas to highlight the need to get the funding for this research. They emphasised there was no need to invent the wheel, or do the same research in Ireland. They are welcome in the UK and are part of the research programme there. Perhaps we could fund this research and help to prolong the lives of these patients. It is concerned with injecting their feet to make their muscles grow, so that they can achieve some quality of life.