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Almost half of those suffering from Crohn’s Disease have been forced to leave a job because of the illness, it has been revealed.

A report was launched by Employment Minister Ged Nash who is one of around 20,000 people in Ireland suffering from the condition.

The minister is one of those hoping to drive forward a new comprehensive strategy to help those with Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis under the Inflammatory Bowel Disease umbrella.

Mr Nash, 39, said being diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease as a teenager changed his life completely.

He explained: “I was diagnosed in the summer of 1990 when I was 14 after I spent six to nine months in severe pain with very acute symptoms.

“It took six to nine months to get to the bottom of what was wrong with me.”

Mr Nash spent a lot of time in hospital until he managed to control his condition.

He said: “I was in hospital two or three times a year and it impacted on my studies.

“I had understanding teachers, a very supportive family and a good network of friends as well.

“One of the findings of the report released today showed that almost 50% said they have left jobs because of the problems associated with Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis as they were forced to be absent from work and couldn’t meet the demands of their careers because of the extent of their illness.

“In my first couple of years in the workplace I was experiencing some problems and was hospitalised a couple of times but luckily for me my employer was understanding.”