• Stroke is the second leading cause of death in middle-to-higher income countries and the leading cause of acquired neurological disability in Ireland.
• The National Clinical Programme (NCP) for Stroke was set up in early 2010 within the Royal College of Physicians (RCPI). 
• Vision – To provide safe, effective stroke care with improved outcomes for patients. To bring stroke care in Ireland in line with other allied national strategies and the stroke action plan for Europe 2018-2030 of the European stroke organisation.

 The NCP for Stroke aims to improve the access, quality and cost-effectiveness of stroke services in Ireland through:

1. Improved access to acute stroke treatment through the wider availability of stroke thrombolysis and endovascular thrombectomy, increased provision of stroke units, provision of funding for diagnostics to support secondary prevention (Transient Ischaemic Attack or mini-stroke) and the development of early supported discharge services. 
2. The achievement of quality objectives through the development of a governance structure (nationally and locally) and the implementation of the Irish National Audit for Stroke (INAS) which monitors the process and outcome of care for the patient. 
3. The achievement of cost objectives by more targeted use of resources and decreased length of stay.