Written answers

Tuesday, 28 March 2006

Department of Health and Children

Health Service Staff

11:00 pm

Photo of Marian HarkinMarian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
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Question 177: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans to increase the numbers of medical staff qualified to diagnose and treat myasthenia gravis. [11787/06]

Photo of Marian HarkinMarian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
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Question 178: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement on Government support for those who are diagnosed with myasthenia gravis and their families. [11788/06]

Photo of Marian HarkinMarian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
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Question 179: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans to increase awareness regarding myasthenia gravis among members of the medical profession. [11789/06]

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 177 to 179, inclusive, together.

Myasthenia gravis is a neurological disorder, the usual cause of which is an acquired immunological abnormality, although some cases result from genetic abnormalities at the neuromuscular junction. The 2006 Estimates for the health services specifically allocated additional funding of €3 million for the further development of neurology and neurophysiology services. This funding was provided to allow the Health Service Executive to progress further the implementation of the recommendations of the former Comhairle nan-Ospidéal in respect of the services. The Comhairle report recommended a significant enhancement of services, including the appointment of additional consultants. While it will take some time to reach the full complement of consultant posts as recommended, major improvements in patient care can be achieved in the short 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 has been advised by the HSE that the development of three new neurology units — in the mid west, the north west and the south east — will commence in 2006 with the appointment of multidisciplinary teams comprising consultant neurologists and support staff. The Department has asked the HSE's parliamentary affairs division to arrange to have the Deputy's specific queries about myasthenia gravis examined and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy about these matters.

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