Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 May 2026
1215. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health if her Department or HSE has engaged with patient advocacy organisations representing persons living with lyme disease since 2020; the groups involved; the dates of engagement; and the outcomes arising from such engagement. [39059/26]
View answerSince 2020, the Department of Health and the HSE have engaged on an ongoing basis with a range of stakeholders in relation to infectious diseases policy, including through public health awareness initiatives, clinical guidance development and wider policy work.
In relation to meetings with Lyme disease patient advocacy organisations since 2020 specifically, on 22 April 2026, I met with members of both Houses of the Oireachtas and patient representatives, including a representative of Tick Talk Ireland.
Officials in my Department have since engaged with the HSE regarding the matters discussed at that meeting. This engagement informed additional public health awareness measures to coincide with Tick Awareness Day 2026.
As matters relating to service delivery and operational engagement with patient groups are the responsibility of the HSE, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
