Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 June 2017
1174. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health if his officials will meet with representatives of a group (details supplied); if he is examining the way in which sufferers of Lyme disease can be supported; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27169/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1177. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding Lyme disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27181/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1174 and 1177 together.
My colleague, the Minister of State with responsibility for health protection, met with representatives from Tick Talk last summer, and listened to their experiences and the impact of this condition. Their stories showed the need for additional awareness of Lyme disease, both by the public and the health services.
Since 2013, the HPSC has held an annual ‘Lyme Awareness Week’ at the beginning of the tick biting season, the purpose of which is to draw attention - particularly in the media - to Lyme disease and the ticks that can spread this disease. This year Lyme Disease week took place between 18 - 22 May. It is normally held at this time of the year to raise awareness before people engage in outdoor activities such as ramblers, campers, mountain bikers, and others who work and walk in forested or grassy, which bring them into contact with ticks. Advice is given on how to avoid tick bites, and on what to do if you are bitten. Further information is available on the HPSC website - www.hpsc.ie and on twitter.
The Scientific Advisory Committee of the HPSC has established a Lyme Borreliosis Sub-Committee, the aim of which is to develop strategies to undertake primary prevention in order to minimise the harm caused by Lyme Borreliosis in Ireland. In addition to staff from the HPSC, the membership of the Sub-Committee includes specialists in Public Health Medicine, Consultants in Infectious Diseases, Clinical Microbiology, Occupational Health an Entomologist from the Parks and Wildlife Service, a representative from the Local Government Management Agency, an Environmental Health Officer and, very importantly, a representative from Tick Talk Ireland, the primary Support Group for Lyme disease in Ireland. The Sub-Committee first met on 6 May 2015 and it is expected to report in 2017.
