Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State is very welcome. I support the Neurological Alliance of Ireland with regard to the shortage of neurological nurses. I will speak specifically about University Hospital Limerick. The last time a neurological nursing post was advertised and filled was 2019 when a nurse was needed for multiple sclerosis. As we are aware, there are many neurological conditions. A report shows there is a shortage of up to eight nurses in University Hospital Limerick. There are three nurses there at present, along with a number of nurses who assist in the area.

Putting in place neurological specialist nurses helps to reduce waiting lists. It also helps people with their conditions. Sometimes people end up in hospital and taking up a bed. Being seen by a neurological nurse helps to keep people out of hospital and reduce waiting lists. Many specialist nurses are able to deal with these conditions. It also means the patients do not have to see the doctor or professor involved. It would be cost-effective if these positions were filled. As I said, the last time a post was filled was in April 2019. I tabled a Commencement matter on the issue at the time. At that stage, there was a shortage of three nurses. There is now a shortage of eight nurses. I support the national campaign. More than 800,000 people in Ireland have neurological health conditions. I look forward to hearing what the Minister of State has to say today.