Olivia Mitchell
Ceist:426 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans which are in place to develop consultant expertise in the treatment of ME for the 12,000 people suffering from this illness here. [22241/03]
Written Answers. - Hospital Services.
As little is known about the precise causes of this condition, consultants in a variety of specialties may undertake the treatment and management of patients suffering from ME. For example, the specialty involved may include neurology, rheumatology and psychiatry depending on the presenting symptoms. General practitioners may also be involved in treatment.
Following a meeting last year with the Irish ME Trust, the chief medical officer of my Department circulated information forwarded by the Irish ME Trust on the condition to the Irish College of General Practitioners, the Royal College of Physicians in Ireland and the medical division of the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs.
As the Deputy is already aware, officials of my Department recently met with representatives of the Irish ME Trust. Assurances were given that my Department will continue to keep the issue of providing services to CFS/ME sufferers under review.