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<p>The Department is advised by the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council (IIAC), an
independent scientific body, on changes to the list of occupational diseases for which
Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB) can be paid. IIAC is currently considering
whether there is a link between certain neurodegenerative diseases and professional
sportspeople.</p><p> </p><p>IIAC has reviewed over 100 studies relating to ALS (amyotrophic
lateral sclerosis) and will need to give more consideration to the evidence before
it can make a decision. IIAC will also likely consult experts (neurologists) in this
field and will then publish its findings when the investigation is complete.</p><p>
</p><p>It would be premature to speculate on how the Council’s investigation will
progress or whether there is enough evidence of a link between certain neurodegenerative
diseases and professional sportspeople to meet the threshold for a new ‘prescribed
disease’ to be recommended by IIAC for the purpose of IIDB entitlement.</p><p><strong>
</strong></p><p>If recommendations are made by IIAC on this matter, they will be carefully
considered by the Department.</p>
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