asked the Minister for Health if he will make a statement concerning the condition myalgic encephalomyelitis which is also known as post-viral fatigue syndrome; whether he has any plans to recognise this condition as an illness and to allow those people who suffer from the illness to receive sickness and invalidity benefits.

While myalgic encephalomyelitis is by now well recognised, medical science has not yet established the precise factors which give rise to the condition. My Department are, of course, monitoring on-going research and other developments in the area. I hope to arrange discussions in the near future with the Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Support Group for Ireland to see what further useful action it is open to me to take on behalf of persons suffering from the condition.