Read Our Pre-Budget Submission 2027
Parkinson’s Ireland is pleased to present our Pre-Budget 2027 Submission. Parkinson’s disease is the fastest‑growing neurological condition in the world and the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s. There are now over 18,000 people living with Parkinson’s in Ireland, and this number is expected to double by 2050. Despite this, services have not kept pace with demand.
People with Parkinson’s experience the longest average hospital stays of any neurological condition, placing enormous strain on both individuals and the health system. Without urgent investment, this pressure will continue to grow.
Mental Health & Parkinson’s Disease
Ask 1: Provide State Funding for Parkinson’s Ireland’s Dedicated Counselling Service
Mental health is one of the most significant unmet needs for people living with Parkinson’s. Symptoms such as anxiety and depression are often invisible and remain chronically under‑recognised and under‑resourced.
Research shows that 75% of people with Parkinson’s say the condition affects their mental health, yet 78% report they have been unable to access mental health services. Around one in two people with Parkinson’s experiences anxiety or depression during their illness.
In response, Parkinson’s Ireland launched a dedicated counselling service in 2026 for people with Parkinson’s and their care partners. This service supports people at critical stages such as diagnosis, disease progression, and caregiver burnout. We are now calling for core State funding from 2027 to ensure this vital service can continue, reduce waiting times, and provide consistent, long‑term support.
Additional Parkinson’s Nurse Specialists
Ask 2: Address the national shortfall of PNSs by investing in PI Nursing Services and increasing provision of PNSs in the HSE
Parkinson’s Nurse Specialists (PNSs) are central to effective Parkinson’s care. They help manage symptoms, prevent hospital admissions, and act as a vital link between people with Parkinson’s and their neurologists.
Under 2016 NICE Guidelines, there should be 1 PNS for every 300 PwPD.6 Given the 2025 population, there should be 60 PNS. Currently, there are 25, and PI provide 2 of these. Large parts of the country have no access at all, forcing people to travel long distances or go without specialist care.
Investment in both HSE recruitment and Parkinson’s Ireland’s nurse services is urgently needed to address blackspot areas, reduce travel burdens, and keep people well in their communities.
Additional Consultant Neurologists
Ask 3: Increase the number of Consultant Neurologist posts nationwide by honouring previous commitments and further additional recruitment
Ireland has the lowest number of consultant neurologists per capita in Europe, with approximately one neurologist for every 76,500 people. This shortage results in diagnostic delays of up to four years in some hospitals, leaving people without answers or appropriate treatment.
While commitments have been made to recruit additional neurologists in regional hospitals, these must now be fully delivered and expanded. Without sustained workforce planning, Ireland will remain far behind comparable European countries and people with Parkinson’s will continue to experience avoidable deterioration and distress.