The first line on page 53 of A Programme for a Partnership Government on the Government's health plans states that efforts to increase access to safe and timely care as close to patients' homes as possible will be a priority for the Government. I draw attention in that regard to the demonstration outside of the Dáil today where a number of Lyme disease suffers have gathered here, not for the first time, to raise awareness of that disease. They also want to draw attention to the level of care, assessment and investigation available within the country for that illness. Many suffers have had to go to Germany to receive diagnoses. As the Taoiseach will be aware, a cross-party Oireachtas committee has been set up to try to move this issue forward. I ask for an update on the Government's considerations in this matter and on the plans to ensure there is a better service for Lyme suffers in this country.

As the Deputy said, a large group of people have travelled from different areas, including those who have been affected by Lyme disease, and their families and friends. The problem is multi-facetted. A comprehensive strategy is required to address the issues and the challenges posed by the disease. Such a strategy should involve education, awareness and greater research, but diagnosis and treatment should also form a part of it. It is not acceptable that people must travel abroad, in some instances to Germany, at their own cost to get a diagnosis and then have to travel for treatment as well.

Has there been any progress on developing a comprehensive strategy to deal with the challenges posed by Lyme disease?

I will have to ask the Minister for Health to provide a response to the Deputies. Chronic Lyme disease, as opposed to acute Lyme disease, is a controversial diagnosis. There are disputes among medical professionals as to whether suggested treatments, such as long-term antibiotics, are appropriate, and there are often issues around the accreditations of laboratories overseas.