Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 17 Dec 1996

Vol. 473 No. 1

Written Answers. - Epilepsy Funding.

Peadar Clohessy

Ceist:

53 Mr. Clohessy asked the Minister for Health the incidence of epilepsy in the population; the level of funding for research and support services by each health board area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24516/96]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): Brainwave, the Irish Epilepsy Association, estimates that about 20,000 people in Ireland with epilepsy require treatment.

The amount of funding approved by health boards in 1996 for Brainwave is set out in the attached table.

The Deputy should note that as well as availing themselves of services provided in the normal course of health service provision, people with epilepsy are eligible under the long-term illness scheme to obtain the drugs and medicines for the treatment of their condition without charge.

Health Board	1996
	£
Eastern	20,000
Midland	*nil to date
Mid-Western	3,500
North-Eastern	nil
North-Western	2,400
South-Eastern	nil
Southern	†nil to date
Western	2,500
Total All Boards	28,400

*The Midland Health Board is awaiting receipt of an application form it issued to Brainwave in January.

†The Southern Health Board is currently considering an application from Brainwave.