Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for coming in. I had experience in my previous role as a union official representing a woman suffering from Lyme disease. We had a big uphill battle to get the disease recognised. It struck me at the time, and it rings out in agreement with Ms Lawless's comments, as she was fobbed off, told it was a mental health issue and it was not recognised by anybody but the woman was clearly extremely sick. She could not go to work, which is why she had involvement with a union official rather than a clinician. It is only three and a half years ago and we struggled to get clinicians in the State to support us in making that claim. It was easier to get them outside the State. I am happy to say the claim was successful in the end but it took much out of her to fight for that recognition.

We read this morning that there is a level of overdiagnosis. I have questions similar to those already asked, I suppose. I am struggling to understand the resistance if the evidence exists. As I said, I have experience of dealing with people suffering with the condition but the biggest battle seems not to be with the illness but in getting it recognised. It is very worrying. Dr. Lambert has stated that the medical community is sometimes afraid to make a clinical diagnosis. Will he expand on that and give us some insight? We are going to have representatives of the HSE before us and we will need to get a full picture. It is the purpose of this hearing.

On international best practice, where can we model and learn from? I know that people travel to Germany, the United States, etc.

It might be helpful if I asked all of my questions together and they were then banked.

Turning to travelling abroad for a diagnosis and treatment, can the delegates give us an estimate of the cost involved for an individual? I know that there are things that cannot be quantified such as time off work, etc., but I am just asking for an estimate. Is the cost reimbursed? Is treatment available under the treatment abroad scheme? How is the matter dealt with?

On the report, I share the frustration felt. I also tabled parliamentary questions and it does seem that the report has been delayed, but we will be in a position in the next session to ask some questions about that matter.

My last question which is related to my previous one is for Dr. Lambert. He referenced reliable and individualised treatment. Where is it accessible? Is there the skill set in Ireland to provide it? Would we be ready to go to provide it in the morning? What level of training would be required and what would the numbers involved be if it was to be rolled out?