Vol. 471 No. 7
137 Mrs. Geoghegan-Quinn asked the Minister for Health the number of ME sufferers in the country; whether his Department or any agency under the aegis of his Department is engaged in research into the disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21520/96]
Limerick East): Chronic fatigue syndrome, CFS, sometimes known as chronic fatique immunodeficiency syndrome CFIS in the United States and myalgic encephalomyelitis, ME, in the United Kingdom, 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 the diagnosis and management of this difficult condition.
Since ME is not a notifiable disease, national figures on the incidence of this condition are not routinely available. I am advised that currently there are no diagnostic tests for the syndrome, and that there are no laboratory tests that establish or support the diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome. International studies based on survey techniques have not proved reliable estimates of prevalence due primarily to the lack of consensus regarding positive diagnosis of ME.
The Health Research Board is the statutory body with responsibility for health research in Ireland. Although the board is not currently engaged in funding a research project in the field of myalgic encephalomyelitis, the board considers all applications for funding and allocates funding to projects on a competitive basis subject to the board's peer review process whereby experts in the field assess the merits of each individual project. Any person or body seeking funds to enable research to be undertaken in the field of myalgic encephalomyelitis should submit a proposal to the board.
