Batt O'Keeffe
Question:127 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health the plans, if any, he has to commission research into the condition of ME /CFS in view of the fact that it is such a debilitating disease. [14949/96]
Vol. 468 No. 4
127 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health the plans, if any, he has to commission research into the condition of ME /CFS in view of the fact that it is such a debilitating disease. [14949/96]
Limerick East): The Health Research Board is the main mechanism through which public funding for health research in Ireland is channelled. The board is not currently engaged in funding a research project in the field of myalgic encephalomyelitis. Any person or body seeking funds to enable such research to be undertaken should submit a proposal to the board.
However, myalgic encephalomyelitis is the subject of widespread international research in a range of medical and scientific disciplines with a view particularly to elucidating its cause which is at present unknown. The Department of Health, and indeed the medical profession in general in this country, monitor this research with a view to incorporating any new proven findings in their diagnosis and management of this difficult condition.