Motor neurone disease supports
Deputy Dillon called for more funding and staffing for people living with motor neurone disease, referencing Charlie Bird’s Croagh Patrick climb. The Minister promised to raise the matter with colleagues and praised the courage of those affected.
The silence of those living with motor neurone disease is now speaking volumes. The voice of their struggle is becoming all the louder and significantly raising awareness of the issue that they face daily. As people prepare to gather at Mayo's Croagh Patrick and countless other hills and mountains around the country to climb with Charlie Bird, it is important to highlight the need to increase funding and support for those living with motor neurone disease. University Hospital Galway is the western regional centre for neurology but it is short of neurology nurse specialists and people are unnecessarily waiting for longer for diagnosis and treatment. Based on the catchment area, national and international guidance recommends that there should be 13 neurology nurse specialists but there are only four in Galway. Patients deserve better. I ask the Minister to raise this in Cabinet in order that we can increase-----
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-----resources and services for people suffering with motor neurone disease.
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I commit to doing that. I am sure I will be joined by colleagues in saying how much people are inspired by the bravery and strength of people such as Charlie Bird. That vision of going up Croagh Patrick is poignant and powerful. We wish him and everyone else involved well. I will raise it with Government colleagues to see if there is anything we can do to help.