Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Recently Members will have heard the legendary broadcaster, Mr. Charlie Bird, talk about the impact that motor neurone disease, MND, is having on his life. It is a debilitating disease. Any of us who knows anyone who suffered from MND will know how horrible the impact is on the person. It also has an impact on their families and those who are close to them.

One of the difficulties is that only four nurses are dedicated to dealing with the disease in the entire country. They are primarily funded by the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association. We need to invest more money in research into how we will deal with MND and ways to combat it. We have to have a greater support structure not only those with MND but also for their families. Will the Deputy Leader ask the Minister for Health to consider putting in place the necessary supports for individuals who suffer with this disease and their families.

I have previously raised this matter in the House. It is a horrible illness and Charlie Bird spoke eloquently about its impact. We do not have to continue to listen to those stories. There is a need for more than just four nurses serving the entire country who are funded by a charity. I ask the Deputy Leader to ask the Minister for Health to provide greater support.