Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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962. To ask the Minister for Health if he will instruct the Health Service Executive, HSE, to update its diagnostic and treatment procedures for persons suffering with myalgic encephalomyelitis, ME, to reflect best international practice; if he will address the current lack of specialist support within the health service for those suffering with ME; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19844/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) is a condition that is associated with long term fatigue and other symptoms that may limit daily activities in individuals. It has been linked with infectious, genetic and biological causative factors. While there is no specific laboratory diagnosis of ME, clinical investigations are used to exclude other conditions which could be responsible for symptoms. The management of ME does not relate to one specific medical specialty but may involve a number of specialties depending on the symptoms of individuals with the condition. This often involves diagnosis and treatment in acute hospitals as well as primary care. The focus is on treating individuals in hospitals when necessary but also important is the need to provide supports for the maintenance of health for people with the condition.

In response to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.