In July 2014, all 13 neurological charities which had applied, were turned down for funding under a scheme run by the Department of the Environment to support voluntary organisations working in the community. This threatened the removal of €620,000 in funding for vital supports such as helplines, counselling services and early intervention supports to people with neurological conditions and their families.
The Minister for the Environment has extended the funding until July 2015 and has promised a review of funding available to support these services, in association with Minister Kathleen Lynch's office. Once again people with neurological conditions face uncertainty about the year ahead and what it will mean for the charities on which they depend for basic frontline care.
MS Ireland actively contributed to the below submission and actively support the key action calls below.
The NAI pre budget submission calls for key action in the following areas:
1. Discretionary medical cards
2. Focus on community healthcare, including addressing long waiting lists for physiotherapy etc
3. Funding for community neurorehabilitation teams
4. Funding cuts to neurological charities
5. Social protection measures to support people with chronic illness and disability
6. Housing adaptation supports to enable people to remain living independently