Member's statement: Neurology Services: Funding
Member's statement by Mr Peter McReynolds on .
- MLA
- Mr Peter McReynolds
- Party at the time
- Alliance Party
- Date
- 12 October 2026
- Type
- Member's statement
- Business
- Members' Statements
- Heading
- Neurology Services: Funding
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5785841
Read the official Assembly record
Text
Thank you, Mr Speaker. As chair of the all-party group on neurology, and as someone who is living with multiple sclerosis, I rise to again highlight the issues facing those living with a neurological condition in Northern Ireland. Just last month, I stood on the steps of Stormont alongside the Northern Ireland Neurological Charities Alliance (niNCA) as it launched its report, 'Left Behind: The Price of Inaction on Neurology Reform'. The report spells out the economic impact of neurological conditions, how failing to invest costs more than investing, and the current crisis in neurology services. The Health Minister stood with us that day for photos, so you can imagine my interest when a written ministerial statement on the regional review of neurology services arrived in my inbox last week. As I read it, I was reminded of the £65·4 million needed to transform services for people here, but that interest turned to surprise when I saw him advise that he cannot commit to the level of funding required to fully deliver against the review's recommendations. Instead, we have £11·5 million over the next five years, not £65 million. That is less than 20% of what is required. Neurology has the longest waiting times of any speciality in Northern Ireland, with 28,188 people waiting for a first neurology appointment and some waiting for more than seven years. The sector has long called for action and is deeply concerned that it is being overlooked. As highlighted by niNCA, urgent investment is needed across every aspect of neurology, including consultant capacity, specialist nursing and allied health professionals — I could go on. It welcomes the fact that some money is coming but stresses that what is proposed is simply not enough to fully transform services and the lives of those living with a neurological condition. Moreover, the neurology delivery team must have the leadership, accountability and authority to drive real change and take bold decisions, which we did not see from its predecessor. As chair of the all-party group on neurology, I will continue to champion getting more money and intervention to support those living with neurological conditions across Northern Ireland. The issues are complex, but that does not mean that they should not be taken seriously and addressed.
376 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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