Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Tánaiste said progress has been made in the provision of pain relief services. I agree there has been some progress but it is important to note that there has been a change in the international classification of chronic pain. In moving from the tenth revision of the International Classification of Diseases, ICD-10, to ICD-11, chronic pain is now recognised as a disease in its own right as distinct from a symptom of another disease. The response in Ireland has been to put in place a pilot programme. That is all we have done. The Tánaiste says we have made progress but, in fact, this country is not a good place for those who suffer from chronic pain. The issue needs to move to the top of the agenda.

The Tánaiste is telling me that the Saolta group has various initiatives, is looking to recruit consultants and has approved this and approved that, but I can tell him that patients in chronic pain in Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal - because it covers that entire area - wait for long times to get access to a clinic. There have been many stoppages in the service and now with no notice it is gone. Yes, they are promised the closure is temporary but I want an absolute guarantee that this is the case.

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