Vol. 466 No. 5
39 Mr. L. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Health whether his Department has carefully considered the case made by the Irish ME Support Group; if his Department was in a position to assist this group in any way during its recent awareness week; the plans, if any, there are to give proper recognition to this condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10526/96]
Limerick East): Last year, officials of my Department met representatives of an organisation representing people with ME, the Irish ME Trust, regarding their concerns relating to increasing awareness of ME and research into its causes. I am glad to report that awareness of ME is increasing among medical practitioners and the general population through such useful initiatives as ME awareness week. As agreed at that meeting, my Department gave detailed information on ME provided by the ME Trust to the Irish College of General Practitioners for circulation to its members. Greater awareness of the condition should lead to faster diagnosis and more effective treatment.
I am aware of the issues raised by the ME support group. I did not receive, however, any request for assitance for its awareness week campaign which took place in May.
