Ray Butler (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the gentlemen for their presentation, which I found very interesting. I have suffered from various muscular problems throughout my life. In respect of early intervention, it is very difficult for a GP or physiotherapist to diagnose the problem at the start and to get a picture of it. When I was X-rayed I was told I had a virus. I had muscular problems in my legs. I now have a touch of arthritis in my hip, which will have to be replaced. At times I was very frustrated because the physiotherapy did not work. Then I had a problem in my back and went to a chiropractor, who sorted out my back up to a point. When I was told I had fallen arches, I spent a lot of money buying special shoes and getting physiotherapy for that problem, which was a total waste of time. I am sceptical about the suggestion that it is possible to come up with a national solution to the problem, because it is a long road and many problems will arise. The real problem is getting the final diagnosis. One will find out only by trial and error. It was very frustrating going to different GPs and consultants and so on.

We all know the one shoe will not fit in all cases. With regard to health and safety, does sending back to work somebody whose arm, leg or hip functions, for example, are not 100% not result in insurance problems? It would be very problematic to come up with a national solution. I speak from my experience of having been to doctors, consultants and various practices.