The Migraine Association of Ireland has called for a major development of hospital neurology services in Ireland.

The Association, along with the Irish Consultant Neurologists Association, recently met with Minister of State at the Department of Health Tim O'Malley to press for a major development of neurology services to treat migraine and other conditions.

According to Migraine Association CEO Audrey Craven, one in seven patients attending a GP in Ireland have neurological problems; one-in-five patients admitted to the acute hospital medical service have a neurological problem, and 500,000 people in Ireland have a neurological condition, including 400,0000 who have migraine.

The Migraine Association says it welcomes the recent provision in the Book of Estimates to increase the number of consultant neurologists to 29.

It says consultant neurologists are needed in Limerick, Waterford, the north west, north east and midlands, with appropriate staffing resources to develop multidisciplinary teams.