State is failing epileptics, says MEP

EPILEPTICS and others with mental conditions are suffering because Ireland has the lowest ratio of neurologists per head of population in the EU.

As figures revealed the country has only 16 neurologists for a population of 4.1 million, Fine Gael MEP Mairead McGuinness said the lack of support for epileptics was distressing.

“I would be concerned that in Ireland, with such a limited number of specialists and long waiting lists, people are not receiving the immediate care and treatment that they need to lead normal lives,” she said.