John Dolan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish to draw the attention of Members to this being brain awareness week. Some 800,000 people in Ireland have neurological conditions. The campaign involves organisations such as the Neurological Alliance of Ireland, the Migraine Association of Ireland, Muscular Dystrophy Ireland, Epilepsy Ireland, MS Ireland, Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland, the Parkinson's Association of Ireland, the Huntington's Disease Association of Ireland, Enable Ireland, the Irish Motor Neuron Disease Association and the Alzheimer Society of Ireland and it is important to name them. Some or all Members know of those organisations and the work they do. The House has dealt with issues related to their work.

People in Ireland may have to wait up to two years to see a neurologist. We have 34 neurologists but should have approximately twice as many. Things have improved over the years but we still have quite a way to go in this area. Specialist nurses is another area in which there are significant deficits.

The brain awareness week campaign is looking for an investment in neurology, which must happen because it would lead to better outcomes for people and a reduction in cost and the suffering endured as a result of the debilitating nature of these conditions. I commend those organisations and groups on organising the awareness week and bringing it to the attention of Members and I request that the Leader organise a debate with the Minister on the matter.