Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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631. To ask the Minister for Health the approach of his Department and the HSE to requests for persons suffering with Lyme disease or chronic Lyme disease to be properly supported by the health authorities here; and the reason there is no joint approach between health authorities and local authorities that have erected signage warning of the dangers of ticks. [2989/20]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) is responsible for the surveillance of notifiable infectious diseases such as Lyme disease.  The Scientific Advisory Committee of the HPSC established a Lyme Borreliosis Subcommittee to look at ways of increasing public awareness.  Part of the work of the Subcommittee is to ensure that all GPs are familiar with identifying and managing Lyme disease.  The HPSC website (hpsc.ie) provides extensive information on Lyme disease diagnosis, treatment and how to avoid tick bites for the general public and health professionals.  

As this PQ refers to operational matters regarding Lyme disease, I have referred it to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.