To ask the Minister of Health to detail (i) the number of people living with multiple sclerosis in Northern Ireland; (ii) the support available for those living with the condition; and (iii) the initiatives in place to raise awareness of MS.

On 31st March 2021, there were 2,401 patients being treated for MS, with a further 99 patients suspended from treatment. An additional 18 patients were waiting to commence treatment for MS.

People living with MS receive support in primary care through their GP; in secondary care, through Consultant Neurologists and MS clinics, multidisciplinary teams, and through the Northern Ireland Care Advisory Service. Patients also have access to telephone advice lines. Written information on MS and disease modifying treatments are available from the MS Society, MS Trust, pharmaceutical companies and information is also provided about access to counselling and complementary therapies.

MS awareness raising continues through the delivery of information sessions for people newly diagnosed with MS. These sessions are provided in a number of different settings, including one to one meetings and group sessions with an MS Nurse or group information sessions with MS Society. Written information, which includes the use of posters about MS, is also available. In addition, information is also provided via MS clinical trials; the NI MS Research Network, the All Party Parliamentary Group on MS, and through MS awareness week.