Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 26 Sep 1996

Vol. 469 No. 2

Written Answers. - Research into ME.

Mary Flaherty

Ceist:

52 Miss Flaherty asked the Minister for Health the plans, if any, he has to commission research into ME in view of its increasing incidence; and if he will make a statement on the level and extent of this disease in Ireland. [16362/96]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): Myalgic encephalomyelitis, or chronic fatigue syndrome as it is otherwise known, 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.

In Ireland, the Health Research Board is the main mechanism through which public funding for health research is channelled. 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.

Since ME is not a notifiable disease, national figures on the incidence of this condition are not routinely available. 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. Statistics on hospitalisation include a diagnosis category of "Unspecified Encephalitis" which accounted for 46 cases in 1995. However, it should be noted that most cases of ME do not require hospitalisation and, furthermore, that "Unspecified Encephalitis" may include other forms of encephalitis in addition to ME.