With reference to this morning's media reports, Epilepsy Ireland does not comment on the health circumstances of any individual or on specific cases.
More than 45,000 people in Ireland are living with epilepsy. Epilepsy is a neurological condition that affects people in different ways, and experiences can vary significantly from person to person.
The vast majority of people with epilepsy participate fully in education, employment, family life and their communities. People with epilepsy successfully pursue careers across every sector of society, including in leadership and other high-profile roles.
While there is much greater awareness and understanding of epilepsy today, many people living with the condition continue to encounter misconceptions and assumptions about their capabilities. It is vital that individuals are assessed on their abilities, experience and circumstances rather than on perceptions or stereotypes associated with the existence of a medical condition. No person should have their professional capabilities questioned solely because they are living with epilepsy. As with any health condition, a person's capacity to undertake a particular role depends on their individual circumstances and is ultimately a matter for them and their healthcare team.
Epilepsy Ireland is committed to increasing public understanding and awareness of the condition. We encourage anyone who would like to learn more about epilepsy to visit our website for accurate information about this common neurological condition.
If you are living with epilepsy and would like information or support, please contact us by calling 01 455 7500 or emailing info@epilepsy.ie.
Further Information
- To learn more about the individual experiences of epilepsy, visit the 'Life with Epilepsy' page of our website
- To learn more about seizure first aid and our key words of Time, Safe, Stay, visit the 'Seizure First Aid' section of our website
- To learn more about epilepsy as a whole, visit the 'Epilepsy Information' section of our website.
- Whether you are living with epilepsy or supporting a loved one with the condition, our services are here for you. If you need any information or support about epilepsy or want to learn more about the services we offer, get in touch with your local Community Resource Officer. You can find their details on the ‘Our Local Services’ section page of our website.