Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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118. To ask the Minister for Health the work his Department will do to mark Brain Awareness Week organised by the Neurological Alliance of Ireland from 9 March to 15 March 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9413/15]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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I understand that the aim of National Brain Awareness Week is to raise awareness of neurological conditions throughout Ireland including epilepsy, motor neuron, parkinsons, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy. Members of the Neurological Alliance of Ireland have arranged a number of events throughout the country. The Department has no specific proposals in relation to Brain Awareness Week. However, the HSE provides substantial funding to a number of the members of the Neurological Alliance of Ireland such as Enable Ireland, Acquired Brain Injury Ireland Muscular Dystrophy Ireland, Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland to provide supports and services to people with a neurological condition.

The Government recognises that neurological illness or injury has significant implications for the individual and their family, which impacts on their social, educational, vocational and recreational participation. Waiting times, access, treatment and quality of care, are a priority for reform for this Government, despite budgetary constraints.

The HSE Clinical Strategy and Programmes Directorate have a number of clinical programmes that are working in the area of neurology including Neurology, Epilepsy, Stroke and Rehabilitation Medicine. The clinical programmes are focusing on reducing waiting times/lists, addressing disease specific pathways and models of care with a view to developing a national framework for the management of long-term neurological conditions.