I will direct my question to the Minister for Health. We have a serious health issue in this country at present with Lyme disease. It is a very debilitating disease for anyone unfortunate enough to have it. Early detection can make a big difference to these people. I understand that at present GPs are not trained to deal with it, but it is crucial that they are brought up to speed on it. The earlier it is detected the faster it can be dealt with. It will be cured but it definitely can be made easier on the patients who have it. At present, samples must be sent to Germany for testing. We have good hospitals and good laboratories in this country. I cannot understand for the life of me why we cannot have a laboratory in this country that can test these people's blood. The quicker it is detected the quicker it can be dealt with.

I thank Deputy Scanlon for raising the important matter of Lyme disease. I have asked the Department to carry out work on looking at how Ireland deals with it compared with other countries. I expect to receive it any day now and I am happy to revert to the Deputy directly.