Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am surprised that Senator Jennifer Murnane O'Connor did not blame the Minister for the rain, snow, storms and sunshine, but, thankfully, she did not. However, I accept her point about the plight of those suffering from Lyme disease. When I was Chairman of the Joint Committee on Health, we did a piece of work on the disease. Senator Colm Burke is a member of the current committee which held hearings on the issue last year. It is a source of huge concern. Lyme disease is a very debilitating illness which affects people profoundly. I hope the HSE can work with local pharmacists, GPs and advocacy groups to ensure we will have a proper plan in place for the disease because while there are differing opinions on the matter, we should unite to support those affected, whether the disease is caused by a tick or otherwise. I share the Senator's concerns about the issue.