Olwyn Enright
Question:477 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children if he intends to appoint a liaison officer to meet representatives of the Irish ME Trust; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16231/03]
Written Answers. - Health Services.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:495 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the approximate number of ME or chronic fatigue syndrome sufferers; if he has satisfied himself that there is sufficient awareness of and capacity to identify, diagnose and manage the illness and those who suffer from it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15265/03]
John Gormley
Question:594 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will appoint a liaison officer to meet representatives of the Irish ME Trust to create a framework to set up specialist ME/CFS units to provide clinical services to sufferers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15982/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 477, 495 and 594 together.
Services to sufferers of ME/CFS in Ireland are currently provided by general practitioners. My Department does not routinely collect the information requested by Deputy O'Keeffe. I have been informed by the Irish Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Trust that there are approximately 12,000 people currently suffering from ME/CFS in Ireland.
My Department shall examine the matters raised by the Deputies and I will contact them when a report has been prepared.