Danny Healy-Rae highlights young woman's 12-year battle with Lyme

Danny Healy-Rae spoke in support of a Social Democrats motion and raised concerns about Lyme disease diagnosis and treatment in Ireland, focusing on the case of a 27-year-old woman from Kilgarvin. He said Irish testing and official recognition are inadequate, forcing patients to seek care abroad at great expense.

Motion and acknowledgements

Danny Healy-Rae opened by thanking the Social Democrats for the motion and expressed support for the speakers and for the family of Padraig and Elaine Clifford, who lost two young people within months of each other.

Case highlighted - Carnot Shea

He outlined the plight of Carnot Shea, a 27-year-old woman from Kilgarvin and a family friend, who has been living undiagnosed with Lyme disease for more than 12 years. He noted she is best friends with his daughter, was brought to school by him, and has had to give up her teaching job at St. Brendan's College in Killarney.

Testing, diagnosis and treatment in Ireland

He said the department does not recognise Lyme disease reliably and will not accept blood-test results or diagnoses from Germany and other countries, and that testing in Ireland is inaccurate. He pointed out there is only one Lyme consultant in Ireland and that consultant can only offer antibiotics.

Barriers to treatment abroad and financial impact

He said Irish patients have no option but to seek treatment abroad, but this is not covered by the cross-border or treatment-abroad scheme because GPs are not permitted to sign off. He stated the cost of four weeks' treatment in Germany for this woman is £35,000 and she has launched a GoFundMe campaign to pay for it.

Public awareness and symptoms

He urged more education about ticks and non-classic symptoms of Lyme disease, noting not everyone develops a bullseye rash. He emphasised other symptoms such as muscle pain, tiredness and headaches, and argued that earlier diagnosis can make a huge difference in treating the disease.