DEBRA Ireland was founded in 1988. It was started by a group of parents whose children suffered from Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB). The organisation gained charitable status in February 1988. The aims and objectives of Debra Ireland include:

• To benefit sufferers of EB and their families.
• To create public awareness and provide information about the disease.
• To promote research into the disease.

DEBRA Ireland provides support and services to those affected by EB and to their families. Funding is also provided towards the provision of EB nursing care. A DEBRA EB Support Worker provides a range of individualised patient support services.



There is no effective treatment for EB; a condition that is painful, disfiguring, disabling and potentially fatal. DEBRA Ireland is committed to finding an effective treatment and advocates for medical research into EB. We also fund research projects into aspects of the treatment of EB. Project funded at the time of writing, Summer, 2006 include genetics and EB at TCD, development of artificial skin at UCG and skin cancer & EB, at Barts and the London Centre for Cutaneous Research.