Athlone based Senator, Gabrielle McFadden has called for additional funding for research into degenerative diseases such as Motor Neuron Disease and Parkinson’s Disease.
Speaking in the Seanad, Senator McFadden outlined the great research being done by clinicians like Dr Orla Hardiman of the Motor Neuron Clinic in Beaumont Hospital.
“I would like the leader to ask the Minister to come to the house so that we can have a debate on funding for Professor Orla Hardiman's research and also for the Irish Motor Neuron Disease Association, which provides a service around the country for patients and their families," Senator McFadden said. "There are only three motor neurone disease specialist nurses in this country. They are all funded by the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association, and not by the State. I would like a debate on motor neurone disease in this chamber.
“Likewise, the Parkinson's Association of Ireland, which is amazing, is looking for funding for research, running the association and things that can be done around the country to prevent the HSE having to get involved to the extent that it does. There are 12,000 people in the country with Parkinson's disease. That number is expected to double in the coming years. We need to put money in place to look after these people. If possible, I would like the leader to ask the minister to come to the house to discuss the research on these diseases.”
