Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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204. To ask the Minister for Health if myalgic encephalomyelitis forms part of the studies of student doctors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45138/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Ireland's Medical Schools are specifically designed to meet the World Federation for Medical Standards and the Irish Medical Schools now articulate an outcomes-based curriculum in line with this requirement.

All Irish university medical schools provide a programme of education which encourages students to adopt a patient centred approach, starting with careful history taking and evaluation of the patient's presenting problems, the generation of a differential diagnosis and formulation of a rational plan for further investigation and management as may be indicated.

I have been advised by the Medical Council that the main symptom of Myalgic Encephalomyletis, that of long term overwhelming fatigue with significant impact on daily activities, is explored in modules which address history taking and clinical skills, general practice, general internal medicine and a number of medical specialties such as endocrinology, rheumatology etc. It is extremely likely, though cannot be formally confirmed as per the caveats above, that Myalgic Encephalomyelitis would be covered in the teaching of many, if not all, of these subjects where it is a relevant potential diagnosis.