Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The first line on page 53 of A Programme for a Partnership Government on the Government's health plans states that efforts to increase access to safe and timely care as close to patients' homes as possible will be a priority for the Government. I draw attention in that regard to the demonstration outside of the Dáil today where a number of Lyme disease suffers have gathered here, not for the first time, to raise awareness of that disease. They also want to draw attention to the level of care, assessment and investigation available within the country for that illness. Many suffers have had to go to Germany to receive diagnoses. As the Taoiseach will be aware, a cross-party Oireachtas committee has been set up to try to move this issue forward. I ask for an update on the Government's considerations in this matter and on the plans to ensure there is a better service for Lyme suffers in this country.

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