Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Mar 2003

Vol. 563 No. 4

Written Answers - Medical Research Funding.

John Gormley

Question:

411 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Government is funding research on multiple sclerosis; if a review will be considered following recent research, published by the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, showing that it is a neurodegenerative disorder rather than an auto-immune disease as previously believed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7781/03]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. T. O'Malley)

My Department is not at present funding research on multiple sclerosis. However, I understand that the Health Research Board has funded four research projects related to multiple sclerosis in the period 1990 to 1996. Also, in the board's 2002 project grant scheme, seven neuroscience projects were funded, totaling almost €800,000 in awards.

I will arrange for my Department to examine the research referred to by the Deputy.