Vol. 443 No. 3
63 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Health the incidence of motor neurone disease recorded in this country on an annual basis in the past ten years; if adequate research is available to make a meaningful attempt to identify the causes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Although there are no specific records regarding the incidence of motor neurone disease, medical research shows that it affects approximately one in 50,000 people each year. It is estimated that approximately 250 people are affected at any one time in Ireland.
I understand that the Motor Neurone Disease Association has sponsored research into the effects of the disease and the results of a two-year research programme are expected at the end of this year. My Department has grant-aided the association for the past three years. The level of funding was increased from £16,000 in 1993 to £25,000 in 1994.
