Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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1473. To ask the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to improve the diagnosis capacity and treatment of Lyme disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16834/23]

Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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1474. To ask the Minister for Health if he will engage with a group (details supplied) to improve the diagnosis capacity and treatment of Lyme disease in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16835/23]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1473 and 1474 together.

Lyme disease is a tick-borne infection and is relatively rare with estimations that a small proportion of ticks in Ireland are infected (<5%). The infection is known to be endemic in certain locations. In these areas, GPs are familiar with the most typical presentation, which is a rash, often with a bull's eye appearance. More complicated cases require referral to infectious diseases clinics.

My Department considers all requests for meetings that it receives and has previously met with groups that advocate for people who live with Lyme disease. My Department will continue to engage with stakeholders on this issue.

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.