By Niall Hunter-Editor

Irish neurology services are a shambles, leading to a huge deficit for the 7,000 people in Ireland with multiple sclerosis and their carers, according to MS Ireland.

Louise Wardell, chairman of the organisation, said with only 17 neurologists serving a population of four million, Ireland has one of the most understaffed and inaccessible neurological services in Europe.

Northern Ireland, by comparison, has 30 neurologists for a population of only 1.5 million.

Ms Wardell called on the Irish government to meet the basic needs of people with MS by the appointment of an additional 20 neurologists with the necessary supportive multidisciplinary teams.

"Immediate action is needed to rectify this intolerable situation," she said.

Ms Wardell added that many of MS Ireland's members have to wait months for an appointment to see a neurologist, and even when they do get an appointment, some have to travel great distances, encountering inaccessibility and discomfort.

A 2003 report recommended increasing the number of neurologists to 39 with an interim target of 29.

According to MS Ireland, at the current rate of appointments it could be over 20 years before any of these targets are met.

Members of the public with any concerns regarding services of other matters relating to MS should call the MS helpline on 1850 233 233.