Longford/Westmeath Fine Gael TD Nicky McFadden presents a cheque for €2,400 to Marie Reavey, regional development officer with the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA).

Deputy McFadden raised the money by hosting a fundraising coffee morning at Leinster House.

• Separately, Deputy McFadden has raised the issue of approving advance Single Farm Payments (SFP) with Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney.

"Minister Coveney has assured me that he intends on seeking the approval of the EU Commissioner to allow the payment of a 50% advance of the Single Payment with effect from 16 October," she said today, Wednesday July 11.

"This is the earliest payment date possible as it is the first day of the new EU financial year," Deputy McFadden said.

"Particularly in light of ongoing general financial difficulties and the recent unseasonable weather, the minister will approach the commissioner requesting an approval of the advance payments," Deputy McFadden said.