Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have received correspondence from the Deputy on this issue on which he has advocated strongly.

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has a Lyme disease sub-committee which has been tasked with producing a report which covers awareness of Lyme disease among clinicians and members of the public; identification of best international practice in raising awareness about Lyme disease; development of policies for primary prevention of Lyme disease; exploration of ways in which to improve surveillance of Lyme disease; and the development of strategies to raise awareness of Lyme disease, particularly in areas of higher tick populations.

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre is aware that the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence in the UK has undertaken a systematic review of Lyme disease which resulted in the institute publishing new Lyme disease guidelines. These are based on the most exhaustive systematic review yet undertaken of the evidence around Lyme disease and focused on producing recommendations based on best available evidence relating to diagnosis, management and public awareness of Lyme disease.

The final report of the Health Protection Surveillance Centre’s Lyme disease sub-committee has been delayed to ensure the evidence presented in the institute's guidelines can be factored into its final report. It is appropriate we should learn from best international practice and experience.

The report should be finalised in November, at which point it will be sent for consideration to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre’s scientific advisory committee. At this juncture, it would be inappropriate to consider making changes to the testing, treatment and management of the condition until this deliberative process has been completed. I know people have been campaigning for recognition of the disease in this country. I hope when the report is finalised we can make informed decisions as to how we can improve treatment, awareness and diagnosis in line with other jurisdictions.

See this speech in context