Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 206: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of people here who are suffering from multiple sclerosis; the type of treatments and assistance available to such patients. [13250/06]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
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The most recent figures from the national physical and sensory disability database, NPSDD, annual report 2004, which is managed by the Health Research Board, show 1,791 people as having being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. In interpreting this data, it is important to note that as not everyone in this country with a physical or sensory disability is availing of a specialised health and personal social service, the NPSDD will not provide any definite epidemiological statement on the number of people with a particular type of disability.

Part of the Deputy's question relates to treatment and assistance available to such patients. The management and delivery of health and personal social services, are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.