Colm Burke (Fine Gael)
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It is important to clarify that no one here, and certainly not me, is trying to discredit the work being done by those present. The issue I raised at the opening session was the report on which 28 people signed off. It is a clear document that sets out the views of the Infectious Diseases Society of Ireland on the management of this matter. Will the witnesses clarify that they are satisfied that we have the expertise in this country to deal with Lyme disease, its diagnosis and treatment? Are they satisfied that we have all the most up-to-date information and tests and are dealing with the issue properly? There already has been an event where totally inaccurate information was put out in respect of the HPV vaccine. Similarly, we seem to have a lot of misinformation in relation to this. It is important that the witnesses clarify here and now that they are satisfied that were a GP to be concerned about the management of a patient, there is enough expertise in the country to deal with it.