Written answers

Thursday, 23 March 2006

Department of Health and Children

Health Services

5:00 pm

Photo of Caoimhghín Ó CaoláinCaoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 100: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the actions her Department is undertaking to promote the prevention and treatment of motor neurone disease; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11501/06]

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Motor neurone disease is a progressive neurological disorder, the cause of which is unknown. There is no specific test and the diagnosis is made by clinical examination. While there is no cure for motor neurone disease at this time, certain treatments can slow the progression of this condition.

As part of the Estimates for health services in 2006, additional funding of €3 million was allocated specifically for the further development of neurology and neurophysiology services. This funding was provided to allow the Health Service Executive to further progress the implementation of the recommendations made by the former Comhairle na nOspidéal in respect of these services. The Comhairle na nOspidéal report, which has been published, recommended significant enhancement of services, including the appointment of additional consultants. While reaching the full complement of consultant posts as recommended will take some time, major improvements in patient care can be achieved in the shorter term through a combination of additional consultant posts and the appointment of a number of clinical nurse specialists and allied health professionals.

The Department of Health and Children is advised by the executive that the development of three new neurology units will commence during 2006, one in the mid-west, one in the north west and one in the south east, with the appointment of multidisciplinary teams comprising consultant neurologists and support staff.

The Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the Health Service Executive to arrange to have the Deputy's specific queries relating to motor neurone disease examined, and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy on these matters.

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